On Oct. 4, with the passing of former Mayor Mike Peschka, Wilson lost one of its greatest champions.

Perhaps Wilson City Clerk Susan Kriley said it best.

“He always had Wilson’s best interest at heart,” she said.

I would whole-heartedly agree with Susan’s assessment.

Having covered Wilson City Council for the past 23 years, I have gotten to know each of the Czech Capital of Kansas’ mayors during that time. I admired each of them in their own way.

Each was unique, and Mike was no different. I admired Mike for his tenacity and single-minded devotion to his hometown.

Mike never cut corners. He always remained positive, was forward thinking and sought solutions to problems.

Susan said he was instrumental in getting Wilson many grant dollars that benefited the entire community. I will remember him for his work to clean up the town through the city’s board of health. The city’s efforts to work with property owners to bring properties and vehicles which were found in violation of city ordinances back into compliance continue to bear fruit, and have been beneficial to the community.

Mike served two terms as mayor, served on the Wilson Fire Department for 30 years and 10 years on the Wilson Economic Development Corporation. He was a member of the Wilson Knights of Columbus and the Wilson Sons of the American Legion.

It is now up to Mayor Dan Taylor and the members of the city council to carry on Mike’s legacy of service to the Wilson community by striving to make it an even better place to live, work and raise a family. I wish them well.

Wilson — and its residents — deserve nothing less.

Alan Rusch Advertising Manager and Reporter