Dan Blakeman resigns

Long-time Pine Haven resident and former mayor Dan Blakeman, who returned to the town's council when he was appointed several months ago to replace Kristy Speed, resigned at last week's meeting of the governing body.

Blakeman presented his resignation in person with a heartfelt speech, saying in part, "Dawn and I have sold our home... we are moving... I've been on this council for over 20 years... It's truly been an honor to serve this little town; I've watched it grow from 101 people to what it is today... I also want to thank the staff; they've been so supportive of me."

Blakeman gave some advice for future endeavors and potential issues the town may face to his fellow councilmen and expressed his confidence in the individual who fills the seat after him.

He and wife Dawn have lived and raised their children in Pine Haven for 35 years. "Pine Haven's in my heart," Blakeman said in farewell, "and will never leave my heart."

With their children grown and gone, the couple are moving to Moorcroft.