Challengers seek shake-up in Gillett

Seven people, including three incumbents, have expressed their desire to serve on the Gillett City Council. The following candidates had filed as candidates as of Friday afternoon, although the candidate pool could expand if last-minute filers turned in their candidacy papers by 5 p.m. Tuesday, which is the election deadline. Candidates in Ward 1 are incumbent Debbie Erickson and Don Ellsworth. Candidates in Ward 2 are incumbent Jeff Warrichaiet, William Pecha and Josh McCarthy. Candidates in Ward 3 are incumbent Marilyn Mueller and Mark Bloemers. City residents on April 7 will elect one person to a two-year term in each of the three city wards. A primary election will be held Feb. 17 for Ward 2 alderperson to narrow the field from three candidates to two. Suring Contested races will also be on the ballot in Suring where village President Jay Tousey faces a challenge from Jeff Whiting. Running for three trustee positions are Harvey Miller, James Kohlwey and Angie Whiting. James Moede also filed a declaration of candidacy form but later decided not to run for office. Trustee Larry Gipp declared his noncandidacy. Oconto Five incumbents will vie for two positions on the City Council, the size of which will shrink from 10 to six alderpersons, based on the outcome of a 2013 referendum. Incumbent Marlene Zahn declared noncandidacy, but the other five incumbents all seek a return to office: Joseph Stiloski, Connie Bickel, Jean Feldt, Sherri Groll and Robert LeBreck. A primary election Feb. 17 will narrow the field from five to four candidates. Two alderpersons will be elected on April 7. Lena Incumbent Steve Marquardt is a candidate for village president, while incumbents Linda Hinds and Terry Hinds are candidates for trustee. Former village president Ken Linzmeyer is the third candidate for trustee, and three positions are open. Trustee Chad Misco filed notice of noncandidacy. Oconto Falls In Oconto Falls, only incumbents Don Osborne, of District 1, Kevin Rusch, of District 2, and Mathew McDermid, of District 3, had filed as candidates.