Results from local races
Election was a long night for everyone, including the communities of New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale, and Geneva. Normally, the Star Eagle reports the winners of the local elections the week of the election, but this year was not a typical year.
New Richland Elections
According to Wayne Billings, this was one of the most contested elections in New Richland history. The winner of the New Richland mayoral race was Gail Schmidt (477 votes) defeating Christina Petsinger (114). There were 19 votes for write-in-candidates.
Winners of the race for the two open council seats are Chad Neitzel (309 votes) and Jody Wynnemer (235). Runners up were: Pat Darcy (178), Jenna Pederson (167), Joyce Wobbrock (81), Patrick Petsinger (63), David Hedin (60).
New Richland residents also voted in a special election. The winner of New Richland’s special election was Loren Skelton (223). Angela Gehrke (209) and Brandon Schlaak (157) were the two other candidates vying for the open seat.
NRHEG School Board
As was the case for many different races this election cycle, the NRHEG School Board saw many candidates seeking your vote. Dan Schmidt (1,304), Terry Engel (1,273), and Loren Schoenrock (1,001) were winners for the three open school board positions. Runners up were: Karen Flatness (981), Nancy Lageson (701), Tami L. Tufte-LaCanne (698), Jennifer Johnson (596).
JoAnn Hagen Maloney ran unopposed in the special election in the other open school board race. The other item on the ballot for voters was a vote for a property tax increase to provide an additional $560 per student in the NRHEG school district. The measure was voted down by a vote of 1,783 opposed to 914 who voted yes.
Ellendale Elections
Matthew Bartsch (251), running unopposed, is going to be Ellendale’s next major. Eight votes were received for write-in-candidates. Three candidates were seeking the two open council seats. The winners are Duane Goebel (170), and Jackie Froman (153). Derek Bartness received 148 votes and four votes were received for write-in-candidates.
Hartland Elections
Elections were close all across local communities. Kelly Routh ran unopposed for Mayor of Hartland, winning with 135 votes. Five candidates sought the two open council seats in Hartland; the winners were Molly Sickels (82), and Jackie Schlaak (60). Runners up were: Linda Pederson (52), Nancy Toot (47), Gordon Jensen (47). There was also a special election for one open council seat, won by Warren Johannsen, who ran unopposed.
Geneva Elections
Steven Bailey(192) ran unopposed for mayor of Geneva and won with 75% of the vote; 64 votes were received for write-in-candidates. Susan Phillips(203) and Taff Worrell(208) were elected for the two open council positions, running unopposed. 19 votes were received for write-in-candidates.
Kathleen Crabtree-Wayne(126) defeated Jacob Jensen(85) and Jordan Carroll(50) in a special election for the open council seat.
Waldorf Elections
Waldorf did not have a contested race for mayor and Rob Wilkening won with 85 votes. The council race was between four candidates. Kevine Lines (51) and Jay Longeneker (48) were the winners. The runners up were Charles Barnes (39) and Howard Cordes (27).
Election results were reported from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. If you would like to view the results of any race in MIinesota, please visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results.