Local election brings big changes

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Tuesday's election brought big changes to Chester's City Council as voters elected a new mayor and three new aldermen.

Joe Eggemeyer defeated Mayor Mary Bert for the lead position of the city. Four years ago the race was the same with both men vying for the seat, but Bert won that election. This election Eggemeyer received 1,085 votes and Bert received 868. Eggemeyer is no stranger to the mayor position as he served in the position prior to Bert.

In the race for treasurer Dawn Frazer lost out to incumbent Donna Clendenin 833 to 1,091.

Three new aldermen have been elected to represent their perspective wards in Chester. In Ward 1, Dan Colvis was elected with 233 votes. He defeated Kenny Dillman who received 98 votes and Steve Wallace who received 56 votes.

In Ward 2, Richard Brueggemann won with 168 votes. He defeated incumbent Dean Cook who received 113 votes. Earl Twitty received 29 votes.

In Ward 3, incumbent Bob Fleming, 346 votes, was defeated by Carole Abernathy who received 351 votes.

Mike Blechle ran unopposed in Ward 4 and City Clerk Nancy Eggemeyer also ran unopposed.

The one percent sales tax increase was shot down by Randolph County voters on Tuesday. The sales tax would have been utilized for schools within the county. There were 4,159 'no votes' and 1,704 'yes votes'.