Dec. 9, 2024, was Fort Mitchell City Council member Michael Stoeckle’s last meeting. Stoeckle first took office in 2015, and his term ends in 2025.
Stoeckle has spent 31 years in Fort Mitchell and is retiring from council for work-related reasons.
“For my job, I will need to travel Monday through Friday,” Stoeckle said. “So, I won’t be able to attend the meetings. It would be unfair of me to hold the seat and make decisions if I’m not here.”
During his time on council, Stoeckle served on the city’s park board and the safety committee. He worked on the $2 million General Ormsby Mitchell Park renovation.
“I am happy to have had the opportunity to make our city a safer, more walkable city,” Stoeckle said.
Stoeckle represented Fort Mitchell on the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky. Council member Jeff Dietrich will replace him in this position.
Many members of the Fort Mitchell government told LINK nky that they feel lucky to have had the chance to work with Stoeckle. Mayor Jude Hehman presented Stoeckle with an award to commemorate his time with the city.
“I know this isn’t goodbye, but I sincerely appreciate everything you have done for the city,” Hehman said to Stoeckle.
Council member Jerry Deatherage also thanked Stoeckle and his family.
“We have been blessed to have [Stoeckle],” Deatherage said. “It’s not just him; it’s his family that helped him and helped the city in various capacities.”
Jared Arlinghaus ran unopposed for Stoeckle’s council seat this past November. He will take office in 2025.
LINK asked him what he was looking forward to when he was sworn in next year.
“I was born and raised here,” Arlinghaus said. “I look forward to contributing to this great city. I want to preserve, protect, and improve anything I can. It’s time for me to give back.”