ST. IGNATIUS — City council members have appointed Charles Gariepy as the new mayor of St. Ignatius, replacing former mayor John Connot, who resigned abruptly last November after moving out of the area.

Gariepy, along with the reappointed council member Ilene Leishman, were both sworn in by newly elected Judge Sharon Richardson.

As Gareipy took his place as the mayor, a seat on the council was opened. The council members will now have to appoint a new member.

Three applicants were at the meeting to tell the council how they could best fill the position.

"A decision on the new council seat will be left for discussion until the next meeting," Gariepy said.

The council was forced to appoint another mayor after Connot submitted his resignation right before the city elections in November. However, it was too late to take his name off the ballot, and he was re-elected to another term. According to the city by-laws, the city council had to appoint a new mayor, and Gariepy had been acting mayor since then.

Gariepy was appointed by a unanimous vote from his fellow council members.

Former judge Craig Hoppe was thanked for his 20 years of service and presented with a gavel.

"I'd like to thank the town for their appreciation," Hoppe said.

Keys were also set on two plaques; one for Connot, and a second one was made for County Road Supervisor Bob Smith for helping around the city.

Richardson also thanked Maxine and Chuck Whitson for personally presenting her the gavel when she was sworn in.