Muscatine City swears in two staff members and honors local swim team

The Muscatine City Council on April 21 ceremonially swore in two new city employees and recognized the Muscatine swim team for recent competitive achievements. Mayor Brad Bark administered the oath to firefighter Trevor Davis and to Lyanna Mcola, who was introduced as the city’s new finance director.

Joselyn Paxton, aquatics program director at the Muscatine Community Y, thanked the mayor and council for the recognition and described the swim program’s role in the community. “You have learned that pressure is a privilege and that through hard work you can overcome any obstacle,” Paxton said, introducing several youth team members who described recent successes.

Thirteen-year-old Kinsley Kger noted she broke a state record in the 100-yard butterfly and that the team roster included 83 athletes this season, with ages ranging from 5 to 18. Fourteen-year-old Audrey Lee described regional and state medals and a regional meet record in the 50-yard breaststroke. Other swimmers summarized season totals and historic team records, and council members presented certificates to individual athletes.

The council also presented a proclamation recognizing Drinking Water Week (May 3–9). Brian Butler of the water department accepted the proclamation on behalf of staff and thanked the council for acknowledging the department’s around-the-clock work. During a separate proclamation honoring National Fallen Firefighters Day, the fire chief urged residents to remember firefighters and their families at upcoming memorial observances.

The ceremonial items concluded with council applause and congratulations to the sworn employees and athletes.