A former Wellman City Council member will once again serve on the council, replacing the individual who replaced her. Mark Philpot announced earlier this year that he was stepping down from his position effective July 1 in order to take care of family members in Chicago, Illinois. Fern Bontrager will take his place and finish out the term set to expire in 2021. Bontrager originally served on the council in 2009 filling a then empty council seat. She served on the council until 2017 when she chose not to pursue reelection. Philpot was elected to replace her council seat. The council chose to appoint Bontrager over Nathan Fick due to her prior experience being on the council. Council members considered Fick for the position, but encouraged him to consider running for the position in 2021.