Streator Mayor Schmitt dies

Business goes on as usual in Streator, but that’s not to say something isn’t missing.  The town’s mayor, Ray Schmitt, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon after being taken by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital.  A cause of death is being investigated.

Paul Nicholson is the City Manager.  He’s taking on some of the responsibilities that would have been Schmitt’s.  Other responsibilities will fall to the full city council until an acting mayor can be appointed.  He anticipates an emergency session to be scheduled for later this week to make that appointment. 

Nicholson says Schmitt’s death is a “devastating loss to community.”  He says he’s lost a personal friend and professionally he’s a huge supporter of him and the role of the city manager. 

The Solon-Telford Funeral Home is handling arrangements.