The Arkansas City Commission held its first meeting of the year Tuesday, marked by leadership selections, new appointments and recognition of outgoing officials.
Commissioners selected Tad Stover to serve as mayor for 2026 and Steve Lungren as vice mayor.
The Oath of Office was administered to Commissioners-elect David Colquhoun, Steve Lungren and Charles Tweedy III, officially beginning their terms on the commission.
As part of its annual organizational actions, the commission made the following board and committee appointments:
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Charles Tweedy III was named the City Commission representative to the Arkansas City Public Library Board of Trustees.
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Chad Beeson was designated as the City Commission representative to the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum Board of Trustees.
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Tweedy was also appointed as the City Commission representative to the Cowley County Economic Development Partnership.
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Lungren was appointed as the city’s voting representative to the Regional Economic Area Partnership of South-Central Kansas, with either a member of the governing body or the city manager serving as an alternate when needed.
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Colquhoun was named the City Commission representative to the SCKMC Board of Trustees.
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Colquhoun, Lungren and Mayor Stover were appointed as Arkansas City’s representatives to the Strother Field Commission.
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Tweedy was appointed to serve on the Visit Ark City Board of Trustees.
City Manager Randy Frazer also recognized outgoing Commissioners Jay Warren and Diana Spielman for their years of service to the community.
Warren was first elected following the April 7, 2009, general election and served the city for 17 years.
“During his tenure, he held multiple leadership roles, including mayor and vice mayor, and was known for his thoughtful leadership, institutional knowledge and steady commitment to the community,” Frazer said. “His guidance and perspective left a lasting impact on the governing body and city operations.”
Spielman was sworn into office in January 2022 after being elected in the 2021 general election.
“During her four-year term, she served the city as mayor, vice mayor and commissioner,” Frazer said. “Her service was marked by dedication, collaboration and a strong commitment to the residents of Arkansas City.”
The commission also recognized outgoing Mayor Chad Beeson for his leadership and service to the community.
