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COLUMBIANA -- A conservative candidate for city council was appointed to fill an open seat on council last week.
John Yenges ran in the November general election, seeking his first term on council. He previously worked as zoning officer for the village of Lisbon in 2012.
He spent four years in the military before being honorably discharged and his work history includes serving as project executive in the commercial development and construction industries.
Yenges was unanimously appointed to council to fill the unexpired term of Dan Bekar, who passed away in November.
Yenges will begin serving on council Dec. 19 and fulfill the remaining two years of the four-year term.
City officials honored Bekar's memory shortly after his passing last month, with Mayor Rick Noel saying that Bekar "cared very heavily" about the city.
"He was a very good friend and I don't know very many people who cared more about Columbiana than Dan Bekar," Noel said.
He added that in the past he and Bekar ran for city council at the same time and that Bekar went around to every house in the city passing out his literature.
"He kept saying, 'We have to be on council to make sure good things continue to happen in Columbiana.' I will never forget that man and his love for the city," Noel said.
Council member Dick McBane noted that he and Bekar were charter members of the local American Legion Riders group.
"We spent a lot of time riding motorcycles together, enjoying the weather and everything else. I will certainly miss him," McBane said.
Council member Skip Liston said that Bekar never lost his love for the Legion and the city and put his efforts into both.
"Dan's first love was obviously Donna," he said of Bekar's late wife. "He was just a wonderful human being."
Council member Dan Dattilio said that Bekar was "one of the good guys" with a quiet leadership, good sense or humor, optimism and love for his fellows.
"He just really loved everybody. He will be missed for sure," Dattilio said.
Council member Amanda Banner said that Bekar and his wife Donna were instrumental in getting her into politics.
"He just gave all of himself in what he did. I am just really grateful that I had time to be with him on council and the friendship that we created," she said.
Municipal Attorney Mark Hutson recalled first meeting Bekar when he was in high school and Bekar was working for the schools, and reminisced about his involvement with both the schools and the city over the years.
City Manager Lance Willard credited Bekar's work ethic.
"I am not sure he ever retired. He was always working, either at the farm, or plowing snow. He is definitely going to be missed," he said.
Council member Ted Souder recalled fondly Bekar being particular about the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance before each meeting.
"I just hope we got it right tonight," he said with a laugh.