New councilman named in Nixa

Kendal Dingus resigned after two months, citing a health issue with his child.

After two recent resignations, Nixa City Council last night voted in a new member to fill the governmental body’s District 1 seat.

Jarad Giddens succeeds Kendal Dingus, who stepped down after taking on the role in August. Last month, Dingus’ son was diagnosed with cancer, causing him to resign, according to a news release.

“Upon my son’s recovery, my intention will be to run for this council seat and to serve the Nixa community once again,” Dingus said in the release.

Giddens fills the remainder of the District 1 term that ends in April 2020. Dingus joined council after the resignation of two-year member Jimmy Ledbetter, who relocated out of state.

To take the council seat, Giddens resigned from his seats on the city’s Home Rule Charter Review Commission and the Planning & Zoning Commission, according to the release.

Nixa’s council also last night elected Randall Bettis and Derris Butler — who had expressed interest in the council seat — to fill commissioner vacancies with P&Z.

Giddens, according to his LinkedIn profile, owns Jarad Giddens Consulting.