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NILES — The Niles City Council welcomed two new members to its ranks.

Sheila Koebel and Jessica Nelson were sworn-in as members of council during Monday’s meeting at the Niles Fire Department.

Incumbents Georgia Boggs and Charlie McAfee, as well as Mayor Nick Shelton, were also sworn in for their new terms.

Koebel defeated Josiah Bliss in the Ward 2 race and Nelson defeated Joel Rogers in the Ward 4 race.

The duo replaced Amanda Dunnem and John DiCostanzo, who decided not run for new terms.

Koebel, who owns and operates the Underground Laugh Lounge with her husband Karl, is a Niles High School graduate who is looking forward to representing the second ward.

“I’mm just excited about the things we’re gonna do,” Koebel said. “We’re going to do some positive things, I think we’re all gonna work together well. I think we’re going to accomplish a lot and in the process enjoy what we’re doing, focus on the positive and build better communication.”

Nelson, the VP Global Business Operations at Fluent Commerce, represented the fourth ward from 2018 to 2022 and is looking forward to getting back to work.

“When you care about the community as much as I do and my whole family does, you have to put your money where your mouth is and actually show up day after day and do the hard work,” they said. “So for me, that’s what council is. It’s showing up day after day after day and helping make the decisions that keep our community running and thriving.”

Boggs, the longest-serving member of the city council, will represent the first ward for a seventh term. McAfee, who has worked as a public servant on and off since 1972 at both the state and local levels, has returned to represent the third ward for a fourth term. Not only was Monday the night McAfee was sworn in to represent the third ward once again but it was also her “39th” birthday.

“It’s fantastic,” McAfee said. “Those are great guys up there and I’ve always been a part of Niles and working to benefit the Niles community. I just love Niles.”