The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

PRESCOTT - The city of Prescott has selected Steven Heimbigner as its new mayor. The decision was made at the last city council meeting, which took place April 8. Heimbigner fills the slot left open after the death of Mayor Darlene DeCoria in January.

A graduate of Eastern Washington University, Heimbigner has been a resident of Prescott for 42 years. He majored in business and began teaching business classes at Prescott High School in 1971.

He also taught computer applications and journalism, even taking up the position of yearbook advisor.

Most recently, Heimbigner has been serving on the city council. He says he was approached in January when DeCoria began having health issues, and he has been acting as mayor since then.

Says, Heimbigner, "I hope I can keep things on an even keel-and that my years on the council will give me a little bit of insight."

His transition means that there is a new opening on the city council. There are also three vacancies on the planning commission that need to be filled.

There has been a focus on fixing up the city's streets and doing some major work at the cemetery, Heimbigner said. Now there is also a need to update the Shoreline Protection Act.

Heimbigner noted this agreement with the county was on the agenda for the May 13 meeting. There, he is also expected to be sworn into office. Meetings are typically held every second Monday the month, at 7:30 p.m.