Heikes files for another term; Bartels changes his mind

HARTINGTON – A Hartington- Newcastle School Board member has decided to seek another term in office, while a Cedar County commissioner who initially filed for re-election has decided not to run after all.

Craig Bartels, Belden, is no longer seeking re-election for his position representing the county’s second district, which includes the communities of Belden, Coleridge, Laurel, Magnet and Randolph.

“I’m not going to run,” he said. “I just want to do what’s right for me and my family.”

He noted he wanted to get the news about his decision out into the public as soon as possible so eligible people interested in running for the board seat could file by the deadline.

For Nebraska’s primary election this year, incumbents have until Feb. 15 to file for public office and newcomers have until March 1 to file.

Bartels is the only member of the three-person commissioners board with an expiring term that will conclude at the end of 2024.

The 68-year-old said he will finish out the final year of his second four-year term on the board.

In order to withdraw from running and not have his name on the May 14 primary election ballot, Bartels will have to pick up and fill out a physical candidate withdrawal form, have it notarized and turn it in to the county clerk’s office by March 1.

Any filing fees he paid will not be refunded, however.

Hartington-Newcastle School Board member Jason Heikes filed for another term on the board in the latest election filings posted at the Cedar County Clerk’s Office.

School board members Dana Rosener and Aaron Fuelberth also have expiring terms.

Greg Hite, Kelly Wieseler and Kris Tilley are Wynot School Board members whose terms are expiring.

On the city government side, Roman Sudbeck and Chris Bartling will see their terms expire this year on the Hartington City Council.

Darrell Kathol and Gayle Hochstein will see their six-year terms expire on the Hartington Airport Authority Board.

The statewide primary election is set for Tuesday, May 14.

All village board races will appear on the general election ballot only. The general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5. Village board incumbents have until July 15 to file for re-election while all new candidates will have until Aug. 1.