Nathan Munger appointed to replace sixth ward councilman Jeffrey Veach

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A new sixth ward council member  is now seated at the Hannibal City Council table.

Nathan Munger was appointed by a three to two vote to replace former Councilman Jeffrey Veach, who resigned last month after moving to a new residence outside of his ward. Hannibal code requires each council member to live in their ward.

Munger will serve until Hannibal voters decide on a sixth ward council member in a municipal election on April 2. Other council seats to be voted on in April are first ward, currently held by Darrell McCoy, and third ward, currently held by Stephan Franke.

Munger is a pastor at Tabernacle of Praise in Hannibal. 

Others who were considered to replace Veach included Van W. Sorrels, Greg Baugher, Leonard Rosenkrans, and Paul Ewert. 

Councilman Darrell McCoy said each of those who came before council were good candidates for the sixth ward seat.

“There was not a bad choice. They all brought a lot to the table,” he said.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Dobson, who return to his second ward seat when Mayor-Elect Barry Louderman takes his position, said he looks forward to the changes in council and has enjoyed his time in the mayor’s chair.

Dobson said in a previous interview with Muddy River News that he decided not to join the mayoral race because he would rather work with the mayor as a team rather than take the position himself. 

“I enjoyed my time up here. It was a pleasant part of my job to be able to do things like present proclamations and to greet riverboats,” he said.

Dobson said a favorite time as mayor pro tem was greeting a riverboat carrying Molly Brown’s great-granddaughter.

On Tuesday, Dobson presented mural artist Ray Harvey with a proclamation and a key to the city. Harvey has completed 24 murals around the City of Hannibal.

Harvey said all Hannibal murals were made possible by 16 Hannibal patrons who purchased his services.