By RYAN SKAITH
A 20-year-old woman has taken the oath of office in this small southwest Iowa community, becoming one of the youngest mayors in the United States.
Eva Fipps was sworn into office Dec. 29 after defeating Scott Schondelmeyer in the November election. Fipps won the seat by a 30-19 vote.
A 2024 graduate of Treynor High School, Fipps also completed dual-enrollment coursework at Iowa Western Community College. She decided to enter the race after being encouraged to run by the city clerk, who is a friend.
The new mayor acknowledged that leading a municipality comes with a learning curve. To prepare for her duties, Fipps is scheduled to attend a class on open meetings laws next week.
Fipps’ goals for her term include increasing community engagement, filling vacant storefronts and renovating the city’s playground.
