STURGIS – Don Lanpher, who was appointed to the Sturgis City Council in July, has submitted his resignation.

Lanpher said in his resignation letter sent to the mayor and council on Friday that he had some “personal” issues that prevented him from continuing to serve as the Ward 3 representative on the council.

He said his resignation was effective immediately.

Lanpher was one of four people who applied for the open Sturgis City Council seat in Ward 3. Others included Richelle Bruch, Francie Ganje-Severson, and Christopher Peldo. Ganje-Severson later withdrew from consideration.

The council voted 6-1 with six votes for Lanpher and one vote for Bruch. 

The Ward 3 vacancy was created when Councilor Preston Williams resigned effective June 3. Williams had about 11 months remaining in his term as one of two Ward 3 councilors. The other councilor in Ward 3 is Jim Thompson who won a seat on the board in April and will serve until May of 2027.

Lanpher is retired after serving 46 years in law enforcement. On his application he said he wanted to be part of the decision-making process for the residents of Ward 3.

The city council must now determine how to fill the vacancy. 

Per the city’s Title 7 ordinance, if a vacancy exists on the Common Council, the remaining members may appoint a replacement to serve until the next annual municipal election, or by special election called for that purpose as provided in SDCL § 9-13-14 and the city ordinance. 

The appointee must be a person from the same ward of the municipality. When electing a person to fill the remainder of the unexpired term at an annual municipal election, the vacancy must have occurred prior to the publication required by SDCL § 9-13-6. filling the vacancy would be to ask for applications, interview applicants at an upcoming council meeting and then make a selection.