Rosalia to fill two council seats

The Town of Rosalia next week expects to fill two town council vacancies. The town three weeks ago announced the vacancy of one council seat, which was vacated when Councilwoman Paige Collins moved out of town.

The second council seat became vacant when Councilman Ernie Witte, who had been serving on the council since Oct. 27, 2015, died June 3.

“It was very sad and unexpected,” said Town Clerk Jenna McDonald. “He was a really nice man.”

Witte, 73, died at Sacred Heart Medical Center after a 28-year battle with cancer. His funeral service was June 13.

In addition to serving on the council, Witte was also a member of the Rosalia Chamber of Commerce, Malden-Pine City Gun Club and a life member of the Amateur Pine City Gun Club. He attended the Rosalia Assembly of God Church. He is survived by wife Melissa, two daughters, a grandson, granddaughter, sister and brother, as well as other family members in Thornton.

The town council had previously planned to fill the first vacant council seat at the June 14 meeting, but that meeting had to be cancelled after a council member was hospitalized and subsequently had to undergo surgery.

“We just didn't have a quorum,” McDonald said, noting only two council members would have been able to attend. The council normally has five persons.

Letters of interest for both council positions are still being accepted, McDonald said. Anyone living within town limits can apply for either position with a letter. McDonald said enough letters have been received at this point to be able to fill both positions, so the town will not issue another call for letters of interest.

The next council meeting is Tuesday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m.