Gerkin
NORTH VERNON — Some familiar faces in local government as well as some newcomers will be sworn in to new elected positions in North Vernon on Monday.
Longtime North Vernon clerk-treasurer Shawn Gerkin will take the oath as mayor during a city hall swearing-in ceremony at 11 a.m. Gerkin succeeds longtime mayor Mike Ochs, who chose to retire. Ochs, a Republican, endorsed Gerkin, a Democrat, who ran unopposed for the city’s leadership position.
Succeeding Gerkin as North Vernon clerk-treasurer will be Republican Charlie Weber, who defeated Democratic challenger Connie Rayburn in the November general election. Weber is a local business leader who formerly served on the Jennings County Council.
Three new city council members also will be sworn in Monday after winning their races in November:
- Democrat Jarrod Daeger, who defeated Republican Warren Alexander in the District 2 race.
- Republican Andrew Klescht, who defeated Democrat Alana Thrine in the District 4 race.
- Democrat Pat Kirchner, who won the at-large race against Republican David Kopitzke.
Republican city council members Jack Kelly in District 1 and Baron Wilder in District 3 were unopposed in their reelection bids and also will be sworn in Monday to begin their new four-year terms.
