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Kewanee swears in Stephen Kijanowski as police chief as Nicholas Welgat retires

Kewanee City Council · May 1, 2026
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Summary

Outgoing Police Chief Nicholas Welgat offered farewell remarks as Stephen Kijanowski was sworn in as Kewanee police chief and Michael Minx was sworn in as deputy chief during the Nov. 13 council meeting.

Kewanee — At the Nov. 13 City Council meeting outgoing Police Chief Nicholas Welgat offered gratitude as he officially stepped down and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell swore in Stephen Kijanowski as the new chief of police. Former Chief Welgat performed a pinning ceremony for Kijanowski. The city clerk also swore in and Chief Kijanowski pinned Deputy Police Chief Michael Minx.

Welgat addressed the council and those in attendance, offering thanks as he concluded his tenure leading the department. Councilmembers expressed appreciation: Colomer described the evening as emotional and praised Welgat’s progress in the department; Councilmember Baker recalled personal memories and offered prayers for Welgat’s family; Councilmember Komnick commended Welgat’s decision to focus on family and health and said he has confidence in the new leadership. Mayor Moore also offered condolences to the family of James Golby in the same remarks portion of the meeting.

The ceremonial swearing and pinning were administered during the meeting; no council vote was recorded for the personnel actions. The council adjourned at 7:48 p.m.