Greenwood Council, Loyal School Board among contested races for Spring Election

Candidates had until last Tuesday at 5 p.m. to file nomination papers, declarations of candidacy and campaign registration statements for the Spring Election April 4. A few local races are contested or will result in a change in leadership with the incumbent stepping down. Although the deadline to register for one’s name to appear on the ballot has passed, people may still register to run as a write-in candidate.

Municipalities The city of Greenwood will see a couple of contested races. Jim Schecklman, Ward 2 alderperson, filed non-candidacy paperwork, as did Ward 1 alderperson Deanna Jordan. Dean Hinker and Mary Denk are running for the Ward 2 seat, while Abby Rowan Bolf and Mitch Behrens are running for the Ward 1 seat.

In the city of Loyal, Mayor Carmen Englebretson filed paperwork to run again, as did Ward 1 alderpersons Jenae Weyer and Curtiss Lindner, and Ward 2 alderpersons Kris Schultz and Greg Brock. Four citizens from each ward serve on the city council, so Weyer, Lindner, Schultz and Brock will run unopposed.

The village of Spencer received declarationsof candidacyfromincumbents Tom Schafer and Jeremy Carolfi, village board members; and incumbent Harry Toufar, village president. Village board member Bill Hoes previously filed noncandidacy paperwork. The village of Granton plans to hold a caucus Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. at the village hall. A candidate must be nominated and seconded to have their name placed on the ballot. If more than two people are nominated, a vote will be taken and the top two vote-getters will have their names appear on the ballot. The seats up for election are village president, which is occupied by Tom Gorst; and trustee, which is held by Meghan Naedler.

School districts Incumbent Loyal School Board member Kim Bremmer, representing the city of Loyal, will run for another three-year term against Derek Weyer. Incumbent board president Tom Odeen is running for office unopposed.

Additionally, the Loyal School District is planning to ask voters for a revenue cap exemption, after voters rejected a referendum proposal in November. The board plans to determine a referendum amount at a meeting Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.

The Granton School Board has three members up for election: Sheryl Young, Doug Eichten and Mark Elmhorst. All are running unopposed.

For the Greenwood School District, just one school board seat is up for election. Incumbent school board member Mark Shain filed non-candidacy paperwork but Eliza Ruzic filed to run for Shain’s position. The area represented is that portion of the school district west of Highway 73 and south of the line made up of County Road G and Rock Creek Road to County Road M, not within the city limits.

The Spencer School Board has two seats representing the district’s rural area up for election. Incumbent Shawn Lyon filed for non-candidacy. However, Sarah Krause and incumbent Becky Gorst filed to run for the two open seats. School board members serve a three-year term.

Other races The state legislature agreed to create a second circuit court for Clark County to handle an increased caseload. William Bratcher and Jake Brunette are running for Clark County Circuit Court Branch 2 judge. The election will take place in April, with the judge to begin a six-year term Aug. 1.

Clark County voters are tasked with helping to determine the next Court of Appeals District 4 judge. Incumbent Michael Fitzpatrick filed his notification of noncandidacy; however, Chris Taylor of Madison has filed to run in his place.

Four candidates have filed to run for justice of the State Supreme Court, after incumbent Patience Roggensack elected not to seek reelection. The candidates are Jennifer Dorow of Hartland, Janet Protasiewicz of Franklin, Daniel Kelly of North Prairie and Everett Mitchell of Sun Prairie. There will be a Feb. 21 primary to narrow down the field of candidates to two.

Editor Valorie Brecht contributed to this report.