Branham, Rehfeldt sworn in to Ontario City Council

ONTARIO — Ontario had a full city council again on Wednesday, following the swearing in of Third Ward council member Sherry Branham and at large council member David Rehfeldt.

“Both of them have been very active in the community and Richland County and so it’s nice to have them on board,” said Mayor Randy Hutchinson.

Branham and Rehfeldt were appointed by the county’s Republican Central Committee on Feb. 12 to fill vacancies left by former Third Ward councilman Mark Weidemyre and former at-large councilman Larry Arnold. Both Arnold and Weidemyre retired in December. 

Branham also serves as associate director of the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, a position she’s had since 2008. Before that, she spent 15 years as program supervisor for Richland County Children Services. 

“I’m very happy to be here this evening. I have wanted to be a part of this council for quite a while and I feel very honored to sit amongst people who have cared for the city for a long time,” said Branham. “I think we have a great team. I hope that as we move forward we can agree to disagree and continue to be a team.”

Rehfeldt works as treasurer of NEXT Generation Films in Lexington. Prior to his appointment to council, Rehfeldt volunteered for the Ontario City Schools booster club and Ontario Youth Sports. He has lived in Ontario for 16 years.

“I just want to see (Ontario) get bigger and better,” he said. “I want to be part of the process.”

Rehfeldt will fulfill the remainder of Arnold’s term, which expires at the end of 2021. Since Weidemyre was elected to a full term last November, Branham will sit on council for a full term.