The very first Indian Trail Person of the Quarter Award was given out Tuesday to Ray Killough - both for his longtime commitment to Indian Trail as a public servant and for his legendary skill as a hay artist.
Killough was honored with a Mayor’s Proclamation and plaque at the Dec. 13 meeting of the Indian Trail Town Council. Killough served council from 1994 to 2007, both as a councilman and mayor, but may be better known to newer Indian Trail residents as the man who constructs the "Hay Angel" or "Hay Bale Man" that delights drivers on Old Monroe Road. His service to the Town in multiple capacities made him the perfect fit for the first Person of the Quarter pick.
"Hay Bale Man is an iconic figure here in Indian Trail; he’s been absent for a couple of years ... but he’s back now, bringing smiles to hundreds of faces as we drive past him," wrote area resident Pat Mower in her nomination of Killough. "He’s the one bright spot in the heavy traffic we endure on Old Monroe Road. Hay Bale Man’s return has created quite a buzz of conversation on social media, with all favorable remarks about how ’he’ brings a smile to so many."
"Mr. Killough has served this community all of his life," added Indian Trail Mayor Michael Alvarez. "Whether through his volunteer work or serving as an elected official, Mr. Killough has always served his community. Even now he brings joy and happiness through the building of the ’Hay Man’ and his conversion from Halloween ’Hay Man’ to Christmas angel. This small gesture has brightened the lives of so many for so many years and reminds us of the true meaning of community and Christmas. On behalf of the citizens of Indian Trail we would like to thank Ray for continuing to enrich the lives of his community."
The Person of the Quarter Award was created by the Indian Trail Town Council to honor members of the community for their service to Indian Trail. Residents can submit nominations for the award by reaching out to a councilmember or mayor.
The full proclamation honoring Killough is available below:
Town of Indian Trail, North Carolina
Proclamation for Honorary Citizen Award
Whereas, on October 25th, 2016 Town Council approved the Honorary Citizen/Business/Organization Award Program; and
Whereas, the Honorary Citizen Award Program aims to recognize Indian Trail Citizens that promote and foster a sense of community through acts of kindness, selflessness and goodwill that develop a sense of pride in the Town; and
Whereas, this program also promotes community cohesiveness and highlights those who set a positive example for our youth; and
Whereas, on November 2nd, 2016 a resident of Indian Trail sent an email to the Mayor and Council suggesting that the first recipient of this award should be Mr. Ray Killough for his selfless and tireless efforts in making the Hayman and Hay Angel every year "bringing smiles to hundreds of faces as the one bright spot in the heavy traffic residents endure on Old Monroe Road"; and
Whereas, on November 15, 2016 Town Council agreed with the nomination and officially voted that Mr. Ray Killough be named the Town of Indian Trail’s first Honorary Citizen.
Now Therefore, I, Mayor Alvarez and the Indian Trail Town Council, Hereby honor Mr. Ray Killough the Town’s first Honorary Citizen for his valuable contributions to the community. Proclaimed this the 13th day of December, 2016.