TERMS EXPIRING ON LOCAL GOVERNING BOARDS

Assuming one is needed, and pending formal approval from the local boards, a joint city/school election will be held Tuesday, April 9. Those interested in seeking office may take out nominating petitions beginning Friday, Jan. 26 and have through the end of the day Friday, Feb. 23 to turn them in.

A number terms will be expiring on local governing boards.

For the city of Freeman, terms expiring are those currently held by Mayor Michael Walter, Ward 1 councilor Charles Gering, Ward 2 councilor Charly Waltner and Ward 3 councilor Tabitha Schoenwald. All are two-year terms. At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Schoenwald said she would be resigning at the end of her term. Walter has also indicated he will not be seeking re-election.

On the Freeman School Board, three-year terms held by Emily Andersen and Doug McCune are expiring.

In the city of Menno, Mayor Darrell Mehlhaf’s two-term will be ending, as will the terms of four councilors: Scott Simonsen (Ward 1, two-year term), Jerry Fischer (Ward 2, one-year term), Geroge Cokens (Ward 3, two-year term) and John Huber (Ward 3, one-year term).

There will be no election for the Menno School Board this year; terms held by Brent Rames, Barry Schmidt and Tim Frier will be expiring in 2025.

Marion bond election

This week’s issue of the Courier carries the first of two notices for a general obligation bond election for the Marion School District set for Tuesday, Jan. 16; that notice is printed on page 9.

Voters living in the district are being asked to approve a $6.5 million bond to help pay for a multi-phase renovation of the school’s aged campus. A 60% majority is required for approval. Watch for more on this next week — including voter information.