Bartels to take over as Ronan judge

RONAN — Justin Bartels beat out Thomas Paro and Lauri Johns for the hotly contested vacant judge position in the city of Ronan. Bartels beat out second place finisher Paro by more than 100 votes.

“They put their trust in me, so I’m going to have to do a really good job and contribute back to them,” Bartels said on Tuesday night. “I’m ready to get going in the position, and to help the citizens of Ronan out, and of Lake County.”

The position has been empty since June 22 when long-time city judge Glenn Frame submitted his resignation. Bartels, a lifelong Ronan resident, will now serve a four year term on the Ronan City Court.

“I want to thank all the people for their support,” Bartels said.

Kim Aipperspach, the unopposed incumbent Ronan mayor, was reelected with 258 total votes. In the closest race, incumbent Penny Ross edged Ellen Kaphammer by a 15 vote margin for the four year term out of Ward One in Ronan, while unopposed incumbent Keoki Lopezdevictoria took the two year Ward One term.

Unopposed incumbent Marcia Ganieany won the Ward Two position, while incumbent Dick Jungers held onto his Ward Three seat by defeating Paul Soukup by a total of 33 votes.