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Thursday, March 11, 2010

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Hundreds turn out to vote in Oak Lawn

By JENNIFER STOCKINGER

Staff Writer

Residents in Oak Lawn Township spoke Tuesday, not in words, but with their ballot during the annual township election.

The township experienced disagreements on issues this past fall. It was at that time when more of the people of the township became involved in attending the monthly meetings. About 50 people attended the annual meeting Tuesday while waiting for the election judges to count the ballots. The polls closed at 8 p.m. and the results were in just before 10 p.m.

A total of 424 out of 1,075 registered voters cast ballots Tuesday in the township election. Last year, only 52 people voted during the annual election.

Challenger Dan Peters, with 272 votes, defeated incumbent Joan Olsen, who received 151 votes, for the one-year seat as township supervisor. Eric VanDrew was elected to the three-year supervisor seat with 264 votes over Al Mellgren, who received 155 votes.

Oak Lawn Township election judges Diane Carlson (left), Judy Brown, Bernice Hedquist, Barb John and Carol Cloud counted the ballots Tuesday night at the town hall while residents waited for the results.

Brainerd Dispatch/Jennifer Stockinger

Judy Zelinske will remain the town clerk. Zelinske received 216 votes to challenger Judy Zettervall's 204 votes.

After the results came in, Peters said in an interview that he talked to a lot of people in the township and he received a lot of feedback.

"I hope we can get things turned around," said Peters. "We need to get the township to work together."

Olsen said she will continue to be involved in township business, but as a resident.

"My best goes to the board," Olsen said.

Other township results:

In Bay Lake Township, 72 people voted out of 714 registered voters. Carol Pundt was elected town clerk with 51 votes. RaeJean Anderson received 21.

In Roosevelt Township, 133 people voted out of more than 400 registered voters. Marcia Kohl was elected supervisor with 78 votes. She was appointed to the seat when Eric Thielbar resigned in December. Doug Gearhart received 53 votes. Virginia Hill will remain the town clerk. Hill received 79 votes while challenger Janice Olson received 52 votes.

In Maple Grove Township, incumbent Troy Houde defeated Ed Hall for the three-year supervisor seat.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@ brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.

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