Applicants sought for open Norwalk city council seat

NORWALK — The Huron County Democratic Party is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on Norwalk city council following the death of Ward 1 Councilwoman Deborah Lucal. In a public notice issued Dec. 29, the county party announced it will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Lucal's term, which runs through the end of 2027. Lucal, who had served on the council for many years, passed away on Dec. 23. To be eligible, applicants must be registered voters residing in Ward 1. Under Norwalk's city charter, council members must have lived in the city for at least one year and in their ward for at least 60 days prior to appointment. Letters of interest must be submitted no later than Jan. 9 to county party secretary Helen Wheeler at: • 3475 Chenango Road • Wakeman, OH 44889 • By email at helenwheeler70@gmail.com Additional information about council responsibilities and structure is available on the city's website at norwalkoh.com/city-council. Remembering Deborah Lucal Lucal served 14 years on Norwalk city council and was active with the Huron County Democratic Party. She is also remembered as a community volunteer, notably with Artists' Open Studio and the Piggyback Foundation's "When Pigs Fly" shop following her retirement from Drug Mart. "She never hesitated to raise a hand and be the first to volunteer for a project she believed in," wrote Dennis Stieber, former Huron County Democratic Party second vice chair, in a letter to the editor published by the Reflector.