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The Valley Grande City Council moved a step closer to filling a vacant council seat on July 1. 

Councilman Bruce Hughes’ became vacant after he died at a hunting camp on June 13. Hughes was inside a camper when it caught fire and was not able to get out. His funeral was held on June 21.

Councilwoman Jane Harris said she discussed the vacancy with the League of Councils. Harris said she was told that the position must be motioned at the next council meeting on July 15 and voted by the current council, including Mayor Wayne Labbe and council members Jane Harris, Sara Day, Kay Davidson, and Robby Rose to select Hughes’ replacement. 

Hughes’ term ends in August 2025. He narrowly defeated incumbent Tammy Troha at the 2020 election. 

President Pro Tem Kay Davidson presided in the absence of Mayor Wayne Labbe. Council members Jane Harris, Sara Day, and Robby Rose were present. 

The other council business was that the city of Valley Grande owns the Valley Grande Community Center. A classified advertisement for bids on the building will appear in The Selma Times-Journal later this month.

The next Valley Grande City Council meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on July 15 at Valley Grande City Hall.