Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — Thursday was the deadline for candidates to file for municipal elections in Iowa. There will be a two-way race for mayor, and three-way race for the city council at-large position in Spencer. Councilmembers Ron Hanson and Donovan Wunschul have filed to run for mayor. Hanson’s stint on the council ends at the end of the year. Wunschel’s term in the 4th ward runs until 2027, so if he would be elected Mayor a special election would be needed to fill the rest of that term. Incumbent Mayor Steve Bomgaars is not seeking another term.

Incumbent At-Large Councilman Brian Balk will be joined on the ballot by newcomers Brad Bolyard and Becky Peterson.
In Spencer Ward 1, incumbent Tom Nelson is seeking re-election without opposition.
In Ward 3, incumbent Tracey Larson is being challenged by Amy Moser.
And only one candidate has filed for the vacant 4th ward council seat – Chuck Illg.

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The Storm Lake city hall will look different after the first of the year. The mayor’s job is open, and nobody has filed to run. Councilman Kevin McKinney resigned due to health issues last month, and Don Piercy Jr. has filed to fill the remainder of that term. Three candidates are running for the other two council seats that are up: Incumbant Margaret Martinez, Richard Riner, and Dalton Walker. Incumbant Matt Ricklefs did not file for re-eleciton.

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There’s a lack of interest from the public in Milford’s General Election. Nobody has filed to run for Mayor, and only two candidates have filed for three council seats: Incumbant Chris Hinshaw and McIntyre Arndt. Doug Frederick and David Worshek are NOT running again.

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It’s the opposite story for the next community North up the corridor: FIVE candidates are running for two spots on the Arnolds Park City Council. J.J. Lueck, Jamie Smith, and Brian Wrightsman have joined incumbents Matt Richter and Mitch Watters on the ballot. Mayor Jim Hussong is running for re-election unopposed, and Randy Pas is running to fill-out the remainder of a term to which he was appointed.

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Okoboji Mayor Mary Vanderwoude is seeking another term unopposed. Four candidates are running for three council positions: Incumbent Julie Mau Andres and Dan Sanders, along with Thomas Bjornstad and Kae Hoppe. Walt Mendenhall has decided NOT to seek another term.

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And there are three candidates for two positions on the Spirit Lake city council. Incumbents John Chappas and Angela Koofoot are joined on the ballot by Mike Hemiller.