KALONA

Final results are in from Nov. 7’s school board and city council elections, although all results are unofficial until canvass. Locally, all but one incumbent kept their seats, and all public measures passed.

In Wellman, three city council seats were up for grabs, and two were easily filled by incumbents Aaron Fleming (23.21%) and Angela Stutzman (24.96%). Securing an even higher level of support was newcomer Nathan Klostermann (26.39%) who will fill the seat vacated by Tony Evans.

A lot was riding on this election for the Mid-Prairie Community School District, which put before voters a bond measure that would authorize the district to issue general obligation bonds up to $8,700,000 for the purpose of making parking and paving improvements at East and West Elementary schools and build a multi-purpose/wrestling center at the high school. The bond measure passed with 70% approval from voters.

Five candidates fought it out for four seats on the Mid-Prairie school board; winners were incumbents Mary Allred (20.68%) and Denise Chittick (21.21%), who will be joined by former board member Randy Billups (21.74%) and newcomer Ryan Schlabaugh (20.96%).

In Kalona, two city council seats were on the line; votes went overwhelmingly to incumbents Jenelle Bender (46.46%) and Gregory Schmidt (36.8%). Mayor Mark Robe retains his office as he was unopposed.

In Riverside, three city council seats were open, and voters selected newcomer Ryan Rogerson (28.12%) and incumbents Lois Schneider (27.59%) and Kevin Kiene (24.93%) to fill them, leaving behind current councilperson Edgar McGruire (19.36%). Mayor Allen Schneider will retain his office as he was unchallenged.

The Highland Community School District saw passage of its Revenue Purpose Statement, and five candidates were elected to fill five seats: Karen Fink, John O’Leary, Dan Ruth, Joslin Schott, and Nate Robinson.

In Lone Tree, the public measure instating a Local Option Sales & Service Tax passed (68.9%), and Mayor Josh Spilman will remain in office as he faced no opposition. Two 4-year city council seats were open, one going to Jerry Ford and the other to write-in candidate Ryan Ronan. Two 2-year seats were also up for grabs; voters selected Jennifer L. Poeschel (37.1%) and Cathie Conzemius (23.3%) to fill them.

Two seats on the Lone Tree school board were also determined by voters Tuesday; Alex Ogren will retain his seat, and the other will be filled by write-in candidate Jennifer Eden.

Updated 11/14/2023