(Le Mars) — Le Mars city council has named retired Le Mars Fire and Rescue Chief, Wayne Schipper, as the replacement for the vacant city council position of Ward 3. Schipper currently serves on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Schipper was the fire and rescue chief for 27 years, as well as the city emergency operations officer. During his time on the city council, Schipper will suspend his term as a commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Schipper was the only name submitted to the city council for consideration. The council felt confident about Schipper being named to the city council since he is familiar with city issues, and has worked with several city department heads in the past. Schipper says at this time, he has no interest in running for the council seat for the November election. The city council seat became vacant when former council member Ken Nelson had to resign his position due to moving to another city district. Schipper will begin his temporary term of office on September 1st when he will take the oath of office, and he will serve the remaining four months of Nelson’s term. Schipper is an active member of the Le Mars American Legion, Wasmer post #241, and is a past post commander.
