Published on May 27, 2025 6:12 pm
Last Updated on May 27, 2025 6:12 pm
(NEW EFFINGHAM CITY COMMISSIONER JAKE NIEBRUGGE IS SWORN INTO OFFICE BY CITY ATTORNEY TRACY WILLENBORG)
Jake Niebrugge was sworn in Tuesday as a member of the Effingham City Council.
Niebrugge succeeds Merv Gillenwater as a city commissioner. Gillenwater resigned from the Council as of the end of April. He will serve until the end of April 2027.
Niebrugge serves as Vice-President of Development at Heartland Dental. In his letter of application for the Council, he said, “I lead a team focused on growth. Specifically, the team is challenged with capturing opportunity within markets across the country.” Niebrugge said he believes those skills are correlated to the requirements of a city commissioner.
Niebrugge is like many Effingham natives. He moved elsewhere after college, spending time in St. Louis, then Indianapolis before returning to his hometown.
Since he was sworn in to office by City Attorney Tracy Willenborg during the meeting, Niebrugge joined the Council at the table and seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
City Commissioner Larry Micenheimer was not present for the meeting, but did participate remotely by phone. Micenheimer is recovering from back surgery. City commissioners Micenheimer, Hank Stephens and Libby Moeller voted in favor of Niebrugge’s appointment, while Mayor Mike Schutzbach voted against as he had indicated at last week’s Council meeting that he would.
Niebrugge said he is humbled to have this opportunity, and said, “I am excited to work with you all.”
