Members appointed Partridge to the unexpired term of Loralee Stevens, who announced earlier this month she was stepping down from the Council.

Partridge spoke to the council during Monday’s regular meeting about his desire to serve again on the governing body. He commended both Stevens and another former council member in Chris Donnelly for their service and for providing guidance as seasoned and dedicated public servants.

Council members unanimously approved Partridge’s appointment, as President Pro Tem Jake Dale presided over the meeting. Mayor David Frese was absent from Monday’s meeting.

Partridge will serve the rest of the term, which expires in January 2030.

A Tonganoxie accountant, Partridge initially was appointed in August 2022 after applying for a seat then. Rocky Himpel died earlier that year while serving his second term at the time.

Partridge again joined the council Monday and replaced Stevens, who said she wanted to step down now that she can travel more in retirement from her career in education. She also is able to travel more following the sale of the family establishment, Ryan’s Public House.

As for Partridge, he rejoins the council after his election bid was 25 votes short this past November.

Rev. Matthew Wilke won one of three seats back in November with 407 votes, while incumbent Stevens received 353 and challenger Rebecca Skeet-Grube 322. Wilke and Skeet-Grube are in their first terms. Partridge finished with 297 votes.

The next regular meeting is 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at council chambers, Third and Bury streets.