Highland approves Veterans Day Parade, recognizes state champion cheer team and administers police oaths

At the Sept. 2 regular session, the Highland City Council approved a special event application from Moose Lodge #2479 for the annual Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, and granted use of the Square for a brief ceremony.

Kenny Kapp, Lenny Gall and John Kapp represented Moose Lodge #2479 and described the joint event with V.F.W. Post #5694 and American Legion Post #439. Lenny Gall said the parade would start at 1:00 p.m., "beginning at the intersection of Olive Street and Main Street, then proceeding west on Main Street to the Square," and that a brief ceremony at the Square would welcome area veterans. Councilwoman Bellm moved to approve the parade and use of the Square; Councilman Napper seconded and the motion passed on a 4-0 roll-call vote.

Mayor Kevin Hemann administered the official oaths of office to Deputy Chief Scott Athmer and Sergeant Mark McKinney earlier in the meeting. Hemann also recognized the Highland High School Varsity Cheer Team for winning the ICCA State Championship (Medium Division) on Jan. 14, 2025; Tess Chilbec and Kamy Schrage coached the team. Hemann praised the program’s tradition, saying he had "three daughters that competed in HHS Cheer over a ten-year period, and between them, they had ten championships." Coach Tess Chilbec introduced the 2025 cheer team to the council.

John Kapp separately reported that Kirchenfest set a new record profit at the recent event and noted the upcoming Homestead Show.

The council voted unanimously on the parade permit and other items and adjourned at 6:53 p.m.