Ron Crank, Harrisburg mayor
HARRISBURG, Ill. — It has been announced that Harrisburg Mayor, Ron Crank, has stepped aside to take a Medical Leave of Absence to battle brain cancer.
Crank began his battle with brain cancer more than a year ago, but has continued to serve the community until a very recent turn for the worse incapacitated him.
Ron Fearheiley
Around a month prior to Crank taking his leave, Ron Fearheiley was forced to step into the Pro Tem Mayoral role, as Crank was unable to attend Harrisburg City Council meetings. Now, Fearheiley has stepped into that position officially, and will remain Mayor Pro Tem until such time as Crank returns, or the Council is forced to find a new Mayor for the city…which would, according to the way the city’s council is structured, fall to Fearheiley, and everyone else on the council would move into subsequent positions, leaving the bottom rung to be filled by appointment, like Dale Fowler was at this time last year after the resignation of Eric Gregg and ascension of Crank to the mayoral seat.
While few residents of Harrisburg are happy to see Crank forced to take such a leave, it is also a relief to many. Crank is well loved within the community, thanks to his years of dedicated service on the police force, and many residents grew very concerned as Crank disappeared from the public eye.
Reports indicated that Crank is staying at home under the care of his wife, who is a nurse. He continues to battle his illness, and many residents hope to see him return to health. His exact condition is unknown, but reports have indicated that his illness has taken a very serious turn for the worse.
Harrisburg is again faced with having no active Official Mayor on duty, but there has been no indication that the council plans to replace Crank, but will wait for Crank to return.