As Mower County elections results trickled into the early hours of the morning, Mower County voters will see some familiar faces and some new ones seated at the county board.

Jerry Reinartz, Mower County Commissioner-District 3, secured his seat with 65.51 percent of the total vote and defeated challenger Penra Grimley who had 33.43 percent of the vote.

Austin Daily Herald attempted to reach Reinartz, but was unable to get a comment by press time.

Challenger Jeff Baldus unseated incumbent Tony Bennett for the District 4 seat with 55.58 percent of the vote, and Bennett with 44.23 percent of the vote. Baldus, who is the executive director of the Austin Area Foundation, stated he was “excited” to have secured his place on the Mower County Board and looked toward “moving Mower County forward.”

“I think the district has been well represented in the past,” Baldus said. “I knew it was gonna be tough to beat the incumbent. I was excited and I am excited to learn some more things and have an impact on the community in the county and move our county forward in the state.”

One of the main focuses that Baldus hoped to have once he begins his term was to continue working on the transportation infrastructure in Mower County and also work with county on water quality.

“I wanna see that we continue to work on our roads and bridges,” he said. “We made progress, and I want to see that progress moving forward and getting all our county roads and bridges getting taken care of. I want to also focus on water quality. It’s 2018. I have concerns as far as waste water and sewer issues. …it’s an important piece. …it’s time to move forward on things. There’s good people running the commissioners and so it’s gonna be fun working with everybody.”

County Commissioner-District 5 Mike Ankeny ran unopposed. County Attorney Kristen Nelsen and County Recorder Jill Cordes also ran unopposed.

Felten elected as new Mower County Auditor/Treasurer

There is going to be a new person in charge at the Mower County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office.

Scott Felten has been chosen by the Mower County voters to become the next county auditor/treasurer, defeating incumbent Steve Reinartz with 60.76 percent of the vote. Reinartz got 39.10 percent of the vote.

“I was very pleased and very thankful for the support I received from the county during the primary and now during the general election,” Felten said on Wednesday morning. “I think the voters saw my tax and accounting background as well as being a CPA was a valuable skill set to have while performing the duties of the county auditor and treasurer.”

The next steps for Felten moving forward would be to focus on current staff, as well as working with the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue and getting familiar with the duties of office.

“I want to work with current staff to make the office a good source of information and provide timely service to the taxpayers,” he said. “I’m grateful for the encouragement and support from those helping out with my campaign.”