Charleston hires Michael Radke as public works director; staff report on cemetery, roads and equipment

The Charleston Town Council on June 4 voted to hire Michael (Mike) Radke as the town's Public Works Director following a search that attracted nine applicants and produced three finalists. Mayor Doug Clements said Radke accepted the position and will begin full time on June 15, 2026; Don Sant moved to hire Radke and Jim Brown seconded.

Staff updates included: cemetery mowing scheduled for the week and a donation from Binggeli Rock of about 200 trees; most road shouldering work is complete with corner repairs planned and a triangular section toward the cemetery slated for repair with cost-sharing from Binggeli or Staker Parsons; the Toro mower has been sold while the snowplow received no offers and will be relisted closer to winter.

Council approved the hiring and accepted the staff updates; onboarding tasks were assigned to Public Works and the Clerk for personnel records.