Swenson to step down Kaercher sworn in

Monday's Havre City Council meeting brought a fairly significant shift to city operations, a changing of the guard of municipal finances, the transitioning of the clerk.

New Finance Director Doug Kaercher was sworn in before current director Lowell Swenson steps out of the position he's held for more than 20 years next week.

Swenson was sworn in back in 1990, while his replacement, Kaercher, was serving on City Council. Swenson's last day is Thursday, May 31.

Mayor Tim Solomon announced a get-together in the basement of City Hall that day, from 2 to 4:30 p. m., and invited anyone who wants to say goodbye, congratulate Swenson on his retirement and enjoy a few refreshments to attend.

"He's definitely going to be missed, as far as the years he's put into the city and his expertise, " Solomon said.

Council member and fellow golf enthusiast Gerry Veis also wished Swenson well.

"I just want to thank Lowell for all his years of service, " Veis announced toward the end of the meeting. "Maybe now you'll get that hole-in-one. "

"I should have retired a few years earlier, " Swenson joked in response.