Self-employed businessman and farmer Jim DeYoung Wednesday night was appointed to fill a Martin Township Board vacancy left by the retirement of Jack Sipple.

Simple, the longest serving elected official in Michigan, had been a Martin Township Board trustee since being appointed in 1969. He was elected to 13 terms and was serving his last year of 55.

He announced his retirement at the Township Board’s regular meeting in March and made his stepping down official as of March 31.

DeYoung and Planning Commission Chairman Matt Double were the two local citizens who applied for the position.

Township Treasurer Susan Tiemeyer said appointing DeYoung would enable Double to continue his fine work on the Planning Commission.

Simple was honored at the end of the meeting with refreshments and the presence of high number of political guests, including Prosecuting Attorney Myrene Koch, Sheriff Frank Baker and Circuit Judge candidate Elizabeth Peterson. State Rep. Rachelle Smit, former Martin Township Clerk, read a proclamation honoring the longtime servant.

Township Supervisor Glenn Leep commented that DeYoung “will have relatively large shoes to fill.”

In other business at Wednesday evening’s meeting, the board:

• Heard a presentation from the chairman of the annual “Dirt Donut” race, which this year will be held later in June in an attempt to avoid parking problems and conflict with school activities.
• Agreed to renew DeYoung’s application for a tax exemption under Public Act 116 for farmland preservation.
• Reviewed the township’s agreement with 123.Net for Internet, but postponed action until next month.
• Approved an agreement with Allegan County’s imagery partnership for the township assessor.