Dr. Roger Hevel to be recognized at January council meeting

WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg City Council will move meetings from the Lions Club building hosting an Open House before the regular meeting on January 19 at the new City Hall. Join the council at 106 Main at 6:30 p.m. to check out the new space and stay for the 7 p.m. regular meeting.

City of Waitsburg staff moved to the new space in November 2021, after purchasing the space earlier that year. The new City Hall has dedicated office space, ample storage, and a small, attached shop where small machinery will be stored. Light refreshments will be available during the open house.

In between surplus discussions and other agenda items, the City of Waitsburg and the City Council will recognize Dr. Roger Hevel for his generous donation to the Weller Public Library wheelchair lift project during the council meeting. Hevel, who previously served as the City Health Officer for more than 30 years and worked as a doctor at the Waitsburg Clinic until his retirement, donated $20,000 towards an ADA-compliant wheelchair lift at the local library. The lift is one of the first steps towards making the Weller Library a more inclusive space for visitors who are differently abled.

Dr. Hevel’s support of Waitsburg extends far beyond just the library. He and his late wife, Laura Jean, were active supporters of the Waitsburg Pool, funding free swimming lessons for several years. The Hevel family has also provided scholarships to local students, supported the Waitsburg Historical Society, the Commercial Club, and their church.

City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe said recognition by the city council is rare. In 2005, the council recognized long-time resident Ross Hamann for his work on the Streetscape Project. Please be sure to join the council this Wednesday to thank Dr. Hevel for his service to the city.