Mayor-elect Rob Bixenman (right) is seen taking the oath of office Tuesday morning for the position of Mayor of Le Mars.
(Le Mars) — Today (Tuesday) marks the end of an era as Mayor Dick Kirchoff and City Council member Rex Knapp will be attending their last city council meeting in the official capacity of mayor and council member.
Kirchoff has been the mayor of Le Mars for the past 14 years, while Knapp has served on the city council for the past 28 years. A retirement party was held earlier this morning in honor of Kirchoff, Knapp, Ken Nelson, and for retiring waste water treatment superintendent, Ron Kayser. Earlier this morning, the newly elected council members including Clark Goodchild, Mark Sturgeon, and Brian Bruns took the oath of office as they were sworn into duty by District Court Judge Daniel Vakulskas. Also taking the oath of office today were the newly elected Floyd Valley Healthcare Trustees, Kelli Flack and Craig Bauerly. The last person to be sworn into office was Mayor elect, Rob Bixenman.
Bixenman, and the others that took the oath of office will begin their duties on January 1st.
Floyd Valley Healthcare Trustee, Craig Bauerly takes the oath of office from Plymouth County District Court Judge Daniel Valkulskas.
Kelli Flack, right, is sworn into duty as a Trustee of the Floyd Valley Healthcare.
At-large city council member Clark Goodchild (right), takes the oath of office.
Newly elected city council member representing Ward 1, Brian Bruns is shown being sworn into office.
Residents living in Ward 3 will now be represented in the city council by Mark Sturgeon, who on Tuesday, took the oath of office.
Tuesday was the last council meeting for Mayor Dick Kirchoff, and city council members Rex Knapp and Wayne Schipper. Schipper was appointed to serve Ward 3 to conclude the unexpired term previously held by Ken Nelson. Schipper did not seek election, and will conclude his service as a city council member on December 31st.
Mayor/City Councilman/Waste Water Superintendent Retirement Party.
(Le Mars) — Several people stopped by the city council chambers Tuesday morning to congratulate outgoing Mayor Dick Kirchoff, along with city councilman, Rex Knapp; and Waste Water Treatment Facility Superintendent, Ron Kayser; upon their retirement. Former city council member, Ken Nelson was not able to join the event. City Administrator Jason Vacura, made a few comments of each retiree. Each spoke briefly about their time with the city of Le Mars. State House Representative Dr. Tom Jeneary presented certificates signed by Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg thanking each for their time as a civic leader in Le Mars.
