The newest member of the Brownstown Town Council was sworn in Monday night at the Jackson County Courthouse in Brownstown.

Gary Drake was the only candidate to file for the Ward 3 vacancy left by Matt Smith, who resigned because he is moving out of the ward.

Only one of the three eligible precinct committeemen was available for the caucus. According to Indiana Code, if a quorum of precinct committee members is not in attendance, the seat is filled by the party’s county chairperson. In this instance, Jackson County Republican Party chairwoman Amanda Lowery made the appointment.

Drake’s first meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Brownstown Town Hall.