Mayor Ryan Sorensen sworn in at Sheboygan City Council meeting

In the heart of Sheboygan, city hall buzzed with anticipation as community members gathered for the Common Council Meeting on April 15, 2025. The evening began with a solemn pledge of allegiance, a moment that set the tone for a gathering focused on unity and service. Following the pledge, Father William Boulson led an invocation, inviting attendees to reflect on their roles in serving the community and the challenges that come with it.

The meeting took a significant turn as Brett Lobello, the executive director of the Sheboygan County Museum, delivered a heartfelt land acknowledgment. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the traditional inhabitants of the land, specifically the Ho Chunk, Potawatomi, Menominee, Oneida, and Ojibwe peoples. This acknowledgment was not merely a formality; it was a call to honor the history and cultural significance of the land, urging the community to foster authentic relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Adding a creative touch to the evening, Sheboygan's Poet Laureate, Lisa Viehos, recited a poem titled "Sheboygan, Our City." The poem painted a vivid picture of the city’s rich tapestry, from its industrial roots to its vibrant community life. Viehos highlighted the city’s connection to its Indigenous heritage, reinforcing the theme of respect and recognition that permeated the evening.

The highlight of the meeting was the swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Ryan Sorensen. With family and friends in attendance, Sorensen took the oath of office, pledging to uphold the constitution and serve the community to the best of his ability. The atmosphere was filled with hope and commitment as the new mayor prepared to lead Sheboygan into its next chapter.

As the meeting transitioned to city business, the sense of community and shared purpose lingered in the air. The evening not only marked a new beginning for the mayor but also reinforced the importance of acknowledging the past while looking forward to a united future. The council's discussions and ceremonies underscored a collective commitment to serve all residents, ensuring that Sheboygan remains a place of connection and growth for years to come.