Millerville has a new mayor

MILLERVILLE — Millerville filled what is arguably the small city's most important job opening on Tuesday, Feb. 7 — the position of mayor.

They appointed City Councilman Paul Thoennes to the two-year position. Thoennes reluctantly agreed after Councilwoman Sharon Wagner emphatically declined.

"I don't really want to do it," Thoennes said. Still, nobody else in this city of 100 volunteered. As mayor, he will likely field many of the complaints the city government receives.

After he was sworn in, City Clerk Jennifer Lysfjord quipped, "Now as mayor prepare to be sweared at."

Nobody ran for the office during the 2022 election, which was vacated by outgoing mayor Ryan Lehn, who had served a decade on the council. Lehn got the most write-in votes, but turned it down.

The council then appointed Spencer Arnold to fill Thoennes' open council seat.