Few changes in local municipal governments

One incumbent lost a battle between registered write-ins, as there were few contests in Trempealeau County municipal governments in last week’s election, but there will still be some changes. 

The city of Independence will have a change as Randy Symicek defeated Richard Theisen in ward three. Both were registered write-ins with Symicek collecting nine votes and Theisen finishing with six. The city will also have a new second ward alderman as Tim Hanson received the most write-in votes in ward two with three. Jason Ekern ran unopposed in ward one. 

The villages of Trempealeau and Ettrick will have new presidents.

Technically, former Ettrick village president John Beirne was on the ballot, but he announced before the election that he would be retiring. Marc Baures won the seat with 115 votes to Beirne’s 47. 

Baures’ spot as a village trustee will be taken by registered write-in Dana Stoner, who received 44 votes. Incumbent trustees Dan Molstad and Harold Olson, were both reelected without a challenger.

Jeff Barry was elected as the new Trempealeau village president, running unopposed to replace Kurt D. Wood, who did not seek reelection. Barry was also elected as a village trustee, but his spot will be taken by registered write-in Lee Medema. Peggy Sieger and Glenn Brommerich were also elected as trustees. 

Chris Ekern retained his Ward One spot in the city of Blair as a registered write-in. Andrew Stevens will be new to that council, winning unopposed in the second ward. 

Jason Lockington will be a new Arcadia city council member, winning his third ward election unopposed. 

Dave Carlson will be joining the Galesville city council, winning the second ward spot as a registered write-in.