WELLSBURG — A vacant council seat representing Wellsburg’s 1st Ward has been filled.

Mayor Dan Dudley confirmed council on Tuesday approved the appointment of Scott Kins, the city’s fire chief and a longtime member of the volunteer fire department, to the seat, which had been held by his late great-uncle, Jack Kins.

In his eighth year on council, Jack had resigned, citing illness, shortly before his death, at age 79, on June 29.

He had been re-elected to a four-year term in May, but under state code, Scott Kins must seek election to the seat, if he wishes to hold it, in the next city election in 2027.

Two other applicants also had expressed interest in the seat.

Scott’s father, Stanley, served as the city’s police chief and assistant fire chief for many years, and his grandfather, Bob

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