Hiawatha Police Chief Evans Woehlecke is stepping down from the position he's held for 12 years.
Following a closed-door session at Monday’s evening’s Hiawatha City Commission meeting, Commissioner Steffen Shamburg announced he  received a letter last week from Woehlecke saying he will not be seeking re-appointment to the position. The position of police chief and other city offices are up for re-appointment at the commission’s May 7th meeting.
Woehlecke, whose wife was present with him at the meeting, said he made the decision after consultation with his family...( play audio )
Woehlecke says he plans to remain with the department as a patrol officer...( play audio )
Woehlecke has also agreed to serve as interim chief until a new police chief is appointed.
Commissioners thanked Woehlecke for his service to the community.
The commission directed City Administrator Lynne Ladner to begin the search immediately for a new police chief.