Township elections have only one race

Only one area township will have a contested election on its ballot when township voters go to the polls March 14.

The filing period for township elections ended January 17. the only contest that has developed is in Webster Township, Rice County, where two candidates will seek to replace long-time clerk Arnie Pavek, who is stepping down after 24 years. Those who filed are Clarence Walters and Todd Ellwood.

Two townships will ask voters whether to move the township elections to November in even numbered years, to correspond with the general election date. Helena Township in Scott County made that move several years ago. Belle Plaine Township in Scott County and Lanesburgh Township in Le Sueur County are considering the change.

Townships have one supervisor position open, for a 3-year term, and one clerk position open, for a 2-year term.

Candidates are:

Belle Plaine Township—Incumbent Gary E. Schmitz is unopposed for another term as supervisor. Clerk Carol Bauer, who has been in office for 24 years, did not file for reelection. Jean McDermand has filed for a 2-year term as clerk.

Cedar Lake Township—Supervisor Norman Sticha and clerk Arnita Novotny are unopposed for reelection.

New Market Township—Incumbent Supervisor LeRoy Clausen and clerk Albert Zweber are unopposed for reelection

Derrynane Township—Supervisor Jim Connelly chose not to file after 24 years on the board. John Tye has filed for a three-year term as supervisor, and is unopposed. Incumbent clerk Cindy Jirak has filed for reelection and is unopposed

Lanesburgh Township—Supervisor Tony Kubes and clerk Lila Korbel have filed for reelection and are unopposed.

Webster Township—Incumbent Supervisor Paul Linse will face opposition from Charles Rud. Clerk Arnie Pavek did not file for another term. “After 24 years, it’s time to step aside,” he said. Two people will vie to succeed him. They are Clarence Walters and Todd Elwood.

Wheatland Township—Supervisor Chuck Shimota and clerk Clarence Salaba have filed for reelection and are unopposed.