The Litchfield City Council could not vote yet on potential action against City Economic Development Director Tonya Flannery but that didn’t prevent a significant departure from Corwin Hall. Alderman Dan Newkirk’s chair was empty when Mayor Steve Dougherty dropped the gavel to open last night’s meeting. That won’t change as the legendary former Litchfield High coach has decided to step down from his Ward 2 seat. Newkirk joined the board back in May of 2022 to fill the seat vacated by Mark Brown. Newkirk was elected to fill the remaining two years of Brown’s term in last April’s election. Mayor Steve Dougherty will appoint a successor but the City Council would have to confirm the choice.  We reached out to former Alderman Newkirk and he is not commenting on his departure at this point.