Several incumbents choose not to file for re-election

HARTINGTON — Hartington’s mayor is seeking another term.

Mayor Mark Becker filed for re-election Monday.

One city council seat is up for grabs as Brad Peitz did not file to retain his seat. Cody W. Christensen is seeking another term.

All Hartington-Newcastle School Board members filed for re-election: Jason Dendinger, Ian Lange and Candice Climer.

Wynot’s School Board will also be changing after the next election as one member did not file for re-election Justin Hans. Todd Pinkelman and Laurie Schulte are seeking another term on the board.

While the incumbent deadline passed Tuesday, anyone new filing for office has until March 1 to do so.

Cedar County Assessor Jeff Curry has decided not to run and a long-time employee has filed to take his place.

Curry was appointed in May 2021 after long-time assessor Don Hoesing retired. At the time, Curry had recently started an appraisal and bank auditing business with his wife and put that on the back burner to finish Hoesing’s term and now he’s looking forward to returning to that work.

“If anything surprised me, it’s that the office runs very smooth and very quiet,” Curry said. “It’s not the most popular office in the courthouse but the folks in Cedar County are so nice. It’s been a great experience and I can’t believe how nice taxpayers have been to us in working with us.”

Curry said he fully endorses Becky Dresden who has filed to become the next assessor.

Dresden has been working at the assessor’s office for 30 years and has served as deputy county assessor since 2012. Even though she’s been involved in all aspects of the assessor’s office, she’s sure she has more to learn.

“It’s fun and it’s challenging,” Dresden said. “You see a lot of people and it’s something different every day.”

So far, there are only two contested county races - both for county commissioner seats outside of Randolph’s district.

Kelly Hammer of Coleridge filed for the District 3 spot last week currently held by Dave McGregor. McGregor filed for reelection last month. District 3 covers the middle eastern part of the county and all of Hartington.

Hammer also filed to retain his Coleridge Village Board seat which will be decided in the general election.

Commissioner Chris Tramp of Crofton also faces opposition. He will face off against Dick Donner of Hartington for his District 1 seat. The district covers the northern part of the county.