ELDRED, NY — Reorganizing on January 5, the Highland Town Board unanimously named long-time Yulan resident Jim Hanson to fill the council seat vacated by Jeff Haas, who was elected as supervisor last fall.

The appointment marked Hanson’s first entry into public office. Councilman Jim Gutekunst called him “a great citizen, who’s always been involved in the community… a good choice.”

Hanson was later named to serve on standing board committees including Community Planning/Seniors, Youth and Park Development, Personnel, Constables and the Zoning Task Force.

Hanson is married to Town Clerk Doreen Hanson, and they are the parents of former Marine officer James “J.J.” Hanson, whose long and publicized battle with cancer has drawn widespread community support.

Town Justice Anthony LaRuffa earlier administered the oath for Haas, re-elected councilmen Fred Bosch and James Gutekunst, and Highway Superintendent Tom Ebers.

Haas noted that there were “very few changes” in the lengthy list of town appointments and designations that the board makes annually.

Among the appointments, Haas was named as the town’s delegate to the Upper Delaware Council, with former Supervisor Andrew Boyar continuing as an alternate.

Debra Conway was appointed along with incumbent Peter Barnes as co-historians for the town. Conway also was named to the Energy and Environment Committee, the River Road Beach Committee and the Zoning Task Force.

She was re-appointed as an alternate delegate to the Upper Delaware Council; and as an alternate to the Scenic Byway Committee.

Last fall’s Democratic council candidate, Glenn Pontier, was named delegate to the Scenic Byways Committee. Pontier was also named to the Energy and Environment committee, and the Beautification/Renaissance committee.

The various board meeting dates remain unchanged, with the town board at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, the planning board at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday, and the zoning board of appeals at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday (as needed).

The River Reporter and the Sullivan County Democrat continue as the town’s official newspapers.