Sidney appoints new city council member

SIDNEY, NE — A new member taking over on the Sidney City Council.

The group unanimously approved Marva Ellwanger to take the position being vacated by Joe Arterburn.

Arterburn is retiring. He had served on the city council since being first elected in 2012. His last meeting was Tuesday night.

By statute, Arterburn could not vote on the appointment since the person selected would take his place. 

Sidney mayor Roger Gallaway explained why he chose Ellwanger as his nominee before the vote.

 "Really the only differentiating feature was the number of different boards and activities and just the extensive time period of service to the community," Gallaway said. "I think what she's demonstrated over a number of years speaks volumes of her commitment to the city."

The city isn't the only one to recognize Ellwanger's previous service in the community. Just last month, the Cheyenne County Chamber named her citizen of the year at its annual banquet.

Ellwanger will serve until at least the election in November. She will have the opportunity to file for re-election.