A new alderman has been appointed to the a south ward seat, replacing a former alderman who moved out of the ward.

Justin Gates, a 1998 Cassville High School graduate who was raised in Shell Knob, has filled the seat vacated by Mike Vining, a term that expires in 2024.

“It’s something I have thought about and have been approached about in the past,” Gates said. “It just has not been the right time with what I had going on. A couple of council members approached me recently and asked if I was interested, and I thought a lot about it and prayed. Timewise, it’s a good opportunity to help the council and the city for the duration of Mike Vining’s term.”

Gates said his No. 1 goal is to make sure the city is well taken care of and moving forward.

“this is a town I love and I have been here a while,” he said. “I want to see it prosper and to have a hand in making sure that happens for my kids and grandkids to come. I take this very seriously, and it’s humbling to be think I can help the city I live in with decisions on the council.”

After graduation from Cassville, Gates left and returned in 2003. He is married to Mindi Gates, Cassville Primary School principal, and has two children, Cassville junior Simon Gates and sixth-grader Ava Gates.

Justin Gates said looking ahead to nest year’s election, he will consider running for the position.

“Absolutely I think that will be something I am open to,” he said. “We will see. I want to make sure I am the right fit for the city and the seat is the right fit for me. I want to be sure I add value.”

Gates has worked at Jack Henry as an implementations manager for the last six years.

“I am honored to be considered by the community’s leaders for this position, and I will not take it lightly,” he said.