Voters Shape Leadership, Improvements in Cities and Schools Across the Region

The fire, the vote, the triumph — when it happens, Decorah News shows up. Support us being there. DECORAH — Voters in Decorah on Tuesday rejected a proposal to issue up to $18.88 million in general obligation bonds for new or renovated municipal facilities, while approving a separate $1.3 million bond measure to fund improvements at the Decorah Public Library. The larger bond issue, which would have financed development of facilities for the fire department, city hall, and parks and recreation department, failed to gain the required support. "I appreciate seeing such a high voter turnout for a local election, as local elections have a greater impact on your day-to-day life," City Manager Travis Goedken said in a statement after the results. "While we are disappointed with the FD/municipal building referendum outcome, we're excited for the library's outcome. We will begin discussions probably with the goal-setting session later this month on how we plan to address problems with the existing municipal building and a plan to move forward." Despite city staff hosting in-person informational sessions about the bond measure and tours of the current facilities, some opponents met the issue with skepticism, voicing concerns over the city's messaging and questioning the cost of the project. The approved $1.3 million measure will allow the city to issue bonds to pay for renovations and structural improvements to the municipal library, including new furnishings and equipment. "This is a wonderful day for the Decorah Public Library and for everyone who values the role it plays in our community," Library Director Kristin Torresdal said. "Thanks to the public's support, we'll be able to complete needed repairs and replace critical systems that keep our building safe and functional." Torresdal said the library staff, Friends of the Library, and residents worked together to identify and communicate the most urgent needs. She said the library will keep the public informed as the project moves ahead. Supporters praised the Library's social media campaign and what they called a "comprehensive and detailed approach" to informing voters about the issue. The Decorah Library thanked Decorah voters in a Facebook post, stating their excitement to "roll up our sleeves and get to work on these projects". Local Election Results: City Leadership, School Boards, and Community Measures Decided Across Northeast Iowa Voters across several communities cast ballots this week, deciding mayors, city councils, school board positions, and local measures. All precincts in each area have reported results. Calmar Keith Frana won reelection as mayor with 297 votes (98.02%). For city council at-large, Alvin C. Herold led with 220 votes (39.43%), followed by Don Wurtzel (192 votes, 34.41%) and Gary Barness (139 votes, 24.91%). Castalia Jamie K. Smith captured the mayoral seat with 15 votes (83.33%). Randall L. Ellis and Thomas Schultz each earned 19 votes (48.72%) in the city council at-large race. Fort Atkinson Amber Futrell led the city council at-large race with 59 votes (43.70%), followed by Robert S. Glass (26 votes, 19.26%). Write-in votes accounted for 37.04%. Voters also approved Measure WF overwhelmingly, 72–1, which updates the Fort Atkinson Library Board's terms and staggered appointments. Jackson Junction Mae Schmitt won the mayoral race unanimously with 12 votes. In the city council at-large election, Kristie Reynolds received 12 votes (21.43%), while Rodney Vrzak, Lana Schmitt, Ken Kriener and Art Perry each received 11 votes (19.64%). Ossian Arnold C. Kriener captured the mayoral seat with 234 votes (89.31%). Ryan Becker won the city council at-large election with 266 votes (73.48%). Ridgeway Michael Hauber was elected mayor to fill a vacancy with 17 votes. Ethan Novotny and Scott Engelhardt split the city council at-large race 50/50 with 15 votes each, while Kiersten Holstad filled a council vacancy with 16 votes. Spillville Paul Wermers won the mayoral race with 89 votes (87.25%), with 13 write-ins. Reed Backes led the city council at-large election with 111 votes (34.91%), followed by David Farwell (82 votes, 25.79%), Tom Straube (75 votes, 23.58%), and Storme Barr (46 votes, 14.47%). School Board Elections South Winneshiek School Director At-Large (Vacancy): Landon Holthaus 1,283 votes (99.53%) South Winneshiek School Director District 1: Cathy Sabelka 1,241 votes (99.44%) South Winneshiek School Director District 2: Wendy Mihm-Herold 1,207 votes (99.10%) South Winneshiek School Director District 3: Mitchell Holthaus 656 votes (50.11%) narrowly topped Jeff Schissel at 651 votes (49.73%) Northeast Iowa Community College Director District 1: Brenda Sue Runyon 87 votes (97.75%) Northeast Iowa Community College Director District 2: Kathy Gunderson 1,216 votes (99.51%) Find the voting numbers breakdown and City of Decorah election results here. Elevate your inbox with the DecorahNews.com newsletter! Receive free thought-provoking articles, actionable advice and inspiring stories every week.