Mayor Mac gets a bridge
Former city of Kellogg mayor Mac Pooler (center) sits next to current mayor Rod Plank (left) and councilman Terry Douglas. Douglas and Plank presented Pooler with the plaque that will be part of an upcoming bridge project in the city. The former Bunker Ave. Bridge will be known as the Mac Pooler Bridge following its completion next fall.
Courtesy photo
KELLOGG –– When long time Kellogg mayor Mac Pooler resigned earlier this year, it was a major shock to the community. Pooler, or 'Mayor Mac' as he is lovingly known, had been a fixture in the city’s government for 32 years, leading Kellogg through several major developments and tough economic times.
To celebrate his legacy as a leader of Kellogg, the Kellogg City Council announced they would be dedicating the Bunker Avenue Bridge in Pooler’s name.
The bridge, which crosses the Coeur d’Alene River, is set to be replaced next year and will feature a commemorative plate highlighting Pooler and his contributions to the city.
Rod Plank, who replaced Pooler in April, served under Pooler for several years in multiple capacities. Being in the trenches will Pooler gave Plank front row look at his predecessor’s dedication and love for the city.
“Mac Pooler has devoted so much time and energy to the city of Kellogg, since his first term as mayor starting in 1995,” Plank said. “We felt it was important to recognize his contributions in a permanent way.”
The former mayor has never been one to shy away from a joke or to point out the irony of a situation. Upon announcing his resignation, he said that he didn’t want a plaque or anything like that, so instead they decided to give him a bridge.
“It truly is an honor,” Pooler said. “I never expected anything like this, and I appreciate it so much. Serving the city as long as I did was quite an experience, and I think my record speaks for itself.”
Plank reaffirmed Pooler’s record as mayor, highlighting some of the accomplishments and achievements.
“Mac worked very hard to secure funding for numerous projects in our city,” Plank said. “These include our sewer and roads project a few years back, curb and sidewalk projects, along with funding for similar projects in many other North Idaho counties and cities during his time on the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council which coordinates funding for construction of Idaho’s local highway system.
The aging bridge over the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River on Bunker Avenue has been in dire need of replacement for some time and securing the funds for this job was sort of the crown jewel of Mac’s accomplishments. We couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to honor his legacy in Kellogg than by naming this bridge for him.”
The bridge is scheduled to be complete in fall 2025, and the city plans to hold a dedication ceremony for the Mac Pooler Bridge.