Township elections to be held on Tuesday, March 14
Polling hours, annual meeting times, and annual meeting sites for each township are listed in the box on this page.
Elected supervisors will serve three-year terms - except for Eden Lake Township and St. Martin Township, which have a two-year supervisor seat open this year, as well as a three-year seat - and clerks will serve two-year terms.
Three contested races exist in the Paynesville area this year: for the two-year supervisor seat in Eden Lake Township; for supervisor in Lake Henry Township; and for supervisor in Munson Township.
In Paynesville Township, incumbent supervisor Harry Thielen has refiled unopposed, though the supervisor race has been challenged - either in the filings or by write-in campaigns - since 1997.
The following profiles are based on information submitted by the candidates; some did not respond.
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
What distinguishes you
from your opponent?
What is the correct balance of township services and taxes in Eden Lake Township?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
What distinguishes you
from your opponent?
What is the correct balance
of township services and taxes
in Eden Lake Township?
What is your long-range vision
for Eden Lake Township?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
What distinguishes you
from your opponent?
What is the correct balance
of township services and taxes
in Lake Henry Township?
What is your long-range vision
for Lake Henry Township?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
What distinguishes you
from your opponent?
What is the correct balance
of township services and taxes
in Lake Henry Township?
What is your long-range vision
for Lake Henry Township?
Ten-year vision: If Highway 23 goes around north and west of Paynesville, Lake Henry Township will be closer to St. Cloud then we are ready for. I am not sure. I need to learn more of the laws and rules as far as residential and business expansion.
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
hat distinguishes you
from your opponent?
What is the correct balance
of township services and taxes
in Munson Township?
How do you rate the current
road policy in Munson Township? Do you advocate any changes?
What is your long-range vision
for Munson Township?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
What distinguishes you
from your opponent?
What is the correct balance
of township services and taxes
in Munson Township?
How do you rate the current
road policy in Munson Township? Do you advocate any changes?
What is your long-range vision
for Munson Township?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
What accomplishments on the
board would you list as reasons for you to be re-elected?
How should taxes and services
be balanced in the township?
Do you support the Lake
Koronis Recreational Trail?
If so, what township resources
would you be willing to use to continue this project?
What is your long-range vision
for Paynesville Township?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
Why are you running
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
Why are you running
for the township board?
What would be your priorities
if elected to the board?
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Eden Lake
Candidates who filed in Eden Lake Township are incumbent Ralph Hennen for the three-year term as supervisor; and incumbent David Benkowski, who was appointed to replace Conrad Blomker last fall, and challenger Jerome Hedman for the two-year term as supervisor. The clerk position is open in Eden Lake Township as incumbent Gerri Kadlec did not refile.
David Benkowski, 51, 18873 Long Lake Road, has lived in Eden Lake Township for eight years. A bricklayer by trade, he was appointed to the township board last fall to replace former board chair Conrad Blomker. He and his wife have two children.
I care about the community and its residents and all its natural resources like lakes and the agriculture.
To keep a balance between agriculture and the lake system we have in Eden Lake Township. To keep our road system up to date as much as possible.
I have been attending township meetings on a regular basis. I have also been working on a comprehensive plan for Eden Lake Township with the other members of the township board.
The majority of tax revenue should be used for road maintenance, sign and ditch upkeep, community service, and fire protection.
Jerome Hedman, 68, 19221 Rosemary Court, has lived in Eden Lake Township for ten years. He is retired from the railroad where he worked for 35 years, including 20 years in management. He has previously served as a Boy Scout leader, on church councils, and the city council. He and his wife have three grown children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
To build better relations between all residents in the township by being honest and listening to their concerns. Build bridges between the ag community and residents.
Develop and adhere to a scheduled road repair and upgrade; have a website in place so all residents can be more informed; build bridges between the ag community and residents.
I am retired and would have more available time to be involved with the township and residents' needs. I have had 20 years of management and budgeting experience for a major railroad.
The township's main services to the residents are the roads, road maintenance, and improvements. Provide fire protection with the surrounding cities. And also to see that everyone adheres to the township ordinances and also to the county ordinances.
To move the township forward to meet the growing needs of all residents in Eden Lake Township. Establish some shared community services, establish a website whereby more residents can be informed about what's happening in the township, and with the rate of growth in our township, some revenue should be used for upgrading to blacktop paving.
Lake Henry
Candidates who filed in Lake Henry Township are newcombers Jeff Dahl and Karl Schlangen for supervisor - incumbent supervisor Math Hemmesch did not refile - and incumbent clerk Scott Lieser, who was appointed last spring to replace former clerk Ralph Klassen.
Jeff Dahl 40, 23836 343rd Avenue, is a farmer and self-employed carpenter. He has served on the Lake Henry Township Zoning Board since it began, on the Lake Henry Fire and Rescue Department for 16 years, and on the parish council at St. Margaret's Catholic Church. He and his wife Jackie have four kids.
I was raised in this area and have lived in Lake Henry and Lake Henry Township for over 30 years. As a farmer and local contracter who plans to live here the rest of my life, I want to ensure that this township plans for the future so more people can live and grow here.
I think we need to plan better for the future of our township. We need to have one-, two-, and three-year plans to deal with our roads, fire department, and other basic needs township government provides. The township supervisors in the past have done this; otherwise we wouldn't even have a township to live in.
I believe I have been involved in more issues that Lake Henry Township will need to deal with. I will not be afraid to ask questions, make my points, and then work together for the benefit of the township. There needs to be discussion of all the issues, not simply a yes or a no. I will work with the entire board to make sure all the options of any issues are discussed.
Township government is the most bold, accountable government there is - and it should be! We need to be as conservative as we can be and yet provide the basic services of roads and fire protection that our residents need. Better planning for these projects will ensure cost-effective investments the township needs.
Keeping the township in good shape financially. Planning our road projects and fire department projects to meet our residents' needs and to allow Lake Henry Township to grow to benefit its residents.
Karl Schlangen, 45, 33431 220th Street, has lived in Lake Henry Township for 41 years. A self-employed farmer, he has served on the Lake Henry Fire and Rescue Department for nine years. He is single.
Asked to by other members of the township. Try to help with long-term and short-term situations and plans for the township.
Continue to keep up the quality of the roads and try to keep them safe as possible.
Realistic and conservative approach to situations and problems that occur everyday.
Property value increases will raise taxes as much as residents can afford.
Three-year vision: high increases in costs of everyday expenses will make it a tough job.
Scott Lieser, 27, 34798 Co. Rd. 32, has lived in Lake Henry Township all his life. He works with his parents on their 50-cow, 180-acre dairy farm and has served as clerk since April 2005, when he was appointed. He has been a member of the Lake Henry Fire and Rescue Department for three years and serves as a cooperative delegate. He is single.
I am running because I feel I have talents and skills that can benefit my community.
My main priority is to enroll the township in CTAS, which will allow electronic filing and recordkeeping on the local level, as well as the reporting of township records with various state and federal agencies.
Munson
In Munson Township, incumbent supervisor Daniel Holthaus is being challenged by Dave Borchardt. Incumbent Michelle Hemmesch has refiled for clerk.
David Borchardt, 46, 20616 Elkview Road, has lived in Munson Township for three and a half years. He works as a parts representative for Money International in St. Cloud. He was an active member in the New Market Sportsmans Club for 20 years and has been involved in the Richmond Rod and Gun Club for the past three and a half years. He and his wife Marsha have four adult children.
Now that I have raised four successful children, I would have the time that this office requires, and I would like to further my involvement in the community.
To become involved in the future development of our community.
I am hoping to bring a fresh perspective and to represent the growing population around the lakes.
To maintain and improve current roads and services without upsetting current tax structures.
At this time, I feel the policy is average and wouldn't advocate any changes without further involvement.
I would like to promote "progress" and prosperity for current community members and future newcomers.
Daniel Holthaus, 56, 24259 Co. Rd. 23, has lived in Munson Township for 33 years. He has served on the township board for 24 years. He is self-employed as the owner of Dan's Repair and Towing in Richmond. He belongs to the American Legion, Farming Lions, the Richmond Rod and Gun Club, and the Richmond Civic and Commerce Association. He and his wife have five children and eight grandchildren.
To serve this community.
Community planning with surrounding cities and townships.
My 24 years of township governement experience and working with township residents and knowing the needs of rural people.
Provide services that are quite adequate and keeping taxes down.
Average among townships.
Community planning for land use and keeping water clean.
Michelle Hemmesch, 34, 22858 Goldenrod Road, has lived in Munson Township for 14 years. She has been township clerk for Munson Township for four years. She works as an elementary school cook and with her husband and six daughters on their dairy farm.
I like the job! People don't realize how much work the clerk has; it is a lot more than taking minutes at a meeting, like the training sessions at various times of the year. I like the challenge of deadlines and meeting new people from the township!
Being able to help the residents find answers to their questions. If I can't answer them, directing them to people who can. It's important for the township residents to get involved in their government. Make sure you vote on March 14!
Paynesville
Candidates who filed in Paynesville Township are incumbents Harry Thielen for supervisor and Don Wiese for treasurer.
Harry Thielen, 68, has lived in Paynesville Township for 30 years, part-time for 22 years and full-time for eight years. He is retired and has served on the township board for three years. He and his wife Pat have two grown children and eight grandchildren.
a) For the past three years, I have enjoyed working with and for the people of Paynesville Township.
b) Interest in making Paynesville Township a better place to live.
c) I realize we will have many challenges such as water quality, land use, and zoning as we deal with future development.
d) I would like to be part of helping deal with the challenges we face with annexation and other problems growth presents.
a) Continue to maintain our excellent road system.
b) Work toward improvement of water quality.
c) Maintain proper balances between money spent and services.
a) Played an important part of a cooperative effort in conducting township business the past three years.
b) I believe I have worked hard to represent the people of our township at the local level as well as the county and state level.
c) We have fine tuned and developed a strong annexation agreement with the city of Paynesville.
d) Established a parkland dedication program and a comprehensive growth plan.
a) Paynesville Township expects many quality services such as roads, maintenance, police protection, fire protection, recycling, garbage pick-up, and parks and trails. It is important to find a reasonable balance between services and costs providing these services. It is also important for the board to listen and make the correct decisions for Paynesville Township's best interest.
Yes, I support the Lake Koronis Receational Trail. Resources must come from many areas: (1) federal funding; (2) state funding; (3) cooperative efforts with Meeker County, Stearns County, and the city of Paynesville, Lake Koronis Association, and our parkland dedication program.
I see Paynesville Township being able to continue being independent of the city but only through cooperative efforts and working with the city on many projects in order to:
1) Provide the needed services of this community at a reasonable cost.
2) We must continue to work on zoning, water quality, and environmental issues to assure a high quality of life in Paynesville Township.
Roseville
Candidates who filed in Roseville Township are incumbents Vernon Soine for supervisor and Patricia Fenske for clerk.
St. Martin
Candidates who filed in St. Martin Township are incumbents Clarence Olmscheid for supervisor (three-year term), Gerald Schaefer for supervisor (two-year term), and Donald Rausch for clerk.
Gerald Schaefer, 47, 28283 273rd Avenue, has lived in St. Martin Township all his life. A dairy and beef farmer, he was appointed to the board last fall, replacing the late chair Jold Feldewerd. He and his wife Deb have two sons.
I was asked by the supervisors of the township board to fill a vacancy on the board and have found an interest in its purpose and function. I am centrally located in the township.
To help improve and maintain township roads. To help fund local fire and rescue departments in their endeavor to maintain and upgrade fire and rescue equipment. As I feel this is very important.
Union Grove
Candidates who filed in Union Grove Township are incumbents Verrol Smith for supervisor and Loren Pearson for clerk.
Verrol Smith, 79, 51595 CSAH 3, has lived in Union Grove Township all his life. He retired from the Meeker County Highway Department at the age of 63. He and his wife Joyce have seven sons.
for the township board?
Have the time for it. Hopefully, I can contribute something to my community.
I have no priorities. Just do what we have to do to keep the township moving.
Loren Pearson, 45, 51197 360th Street, has lived in Union Grove Township for 45 years. He has been the township clerk for 20 years. He works for Paynesville Farmers Union Co-op. He and his wife Vicky have two adult sons.
Enjoy working with the residents of the township to help keep our rural farming community a nice place to live.
As clerk, to assist the board of supervisors to help run the township.
Zion
Candidates who filed in Zion Township are incumbents Duane Burg for supervisor and Carolyn Reeck for clerk.
Carolyn Reeck, 21388 293rd Avenue, has lived in Zion Township for over 50 years. She has been township clerk for Zion Township since 1990. She listed her employment as a self-employed farmer. She has five children and 11 grandchildren.
Because I have a track record and because I am convinced the principles of township government are important. I'm committed to the essential dynamic of each generation understanding and contributing to grassroots administration.
To continue to fulfill all duties and responsibilities of the office.
Contact the author at editor@paynesvillepress.com • Return to News Menu