–Two public measures that would have paved the way for a new elementary school to be constructed in Emmetsburg have been defeated for the 2nd straight year.
School officials pared back plans for the building, trimming nearly 5 million from the project this year, but once again it fails to get the required 60% approval to pass.
Public Measure RB, which would have allowed the district to issue up to $26 Million in general obligation bonds failed to pass, with 836 voting in favor and 707 voting against. The 54% in favor is more than in 2024 but does not meet the threshold for passage.
Public Measure RC would have allowed the district to increase their debt levy limit to $3.25 per $1,000 of taxable property value, failed by a vote of 807-734 (52%).
–Also in Palo Alto County, Andrew Virkler wins the mayor’s race in West Bend, taking nearly 62% of the vote. Virkler received 150 votes, defeating Bobbie Gearhart Bauer (65) and Randy Carlson (21).
Grant Gearhart and Blake Banwart won the two seats up for election on the City Council in West Bend. Gearhart finished with 176 votes, while Banwart garnered 166, defeating Chris Newton who finished with 91.
–In Emmetsburg, Patrick Martini Jr. won a contested race for City Council At-Large, taking 646 votes to 445 for Corey Gramowski.
A total of 2,263 ballots were cast in Palo Alto County, putting voter turnout just over 37%.
Check out complete Palo Alto County results below:
https://electionresults.iowa.gov/IA/Palo_Alto/124270/web.345435/#/summary?v=364218%2F
