Groton mayor wins re-election over challenger who admitted smashing election laptop in December

Groton's current Mayor Scott Hanlon has been re-elected.

Hanlon received 218 votes compared to his challenger Aaron Grant, who received 24.

"I'm happy to be mayor for another three years," Hanlon said by phone Tuesday evening.

He said he's glad for the opportunity to do his best for the community. He also expressed his gratitude for all the voters who participated in the election.

"Everyone needs to participate and have a say," Hanlon said.

According to the city, voter turnout was 25%.

Hanlon has been mayor since 2013. He started his tenure as an appointee to the position after then-Mayor Roy Olson died. At the time, Hanlon was serving a three-year term on the Groton City Council. In 2014, Hanlon won a contested race for mayor.

In the weeks leading up to this year's election, information came to light that Grant pleaded no contest in magistrate court to misdemeanor property damage. According to information from that case, and an interview with him, he took a hammer and smashed an election laptop at the Brown County Auditor's Office on Dec. 17, 2021. Grant said the idea to damage the equipment stemmed from concerns he has about the 2020 national election results.

More: Aaron Grant smashed an election laptop. Now he's challenging Groton's incumbent Mayor Scott Hanlon

Results for additional elections from around the region for city council, school board and mayor follow.

Arlington School Board

Paul Burns and Darrik Bunker have been elected to three-year terms on the Arlington School Board. Burns received 156 votes and Bunker received 139. A third candidate, Jesse Spilde, received 110 votes.

Bowdle Ward 2 alderman

With a final vote of 33-8, Margaret Bobby was elected to the Bowdle City Council defeating incumbent Ryan Schlechter.

Clear Lake mayor

With 192 votes, Lisa Lundberg was elected to a three-year term as Clear Lake mayor, defeating challenger Andrew Braam, who had 80 votes.

Clear Lake Ward 2 alderman

With 72 votes, newcomer Jonas Reppe was elected to a three-year term on the Clear Lake City Council representing Ward 2. Incumbent councilor John Keimig received 16 votes.

Doland School Board

Jeremy Moes and Sarah Lambert were re-elected to three-year terms on the Doland School Board. Moes received 112 votes with Lambert close behind with 109. Challenger Paul Waldner received 91 votes.

Estelline School Board

Incumbents Lynda Pierce and Chris Verhoek were re-elected to three-year terms on the Estelline School Board with 110 and 143 votes, respectively. Grant Holden received 67 votes.

Eureka School Board

Incumbents Carie Kappes and Julie Hinton were re-elected to three-year terms on the Eureka School Board with 89 and 83 votes, respectively. Tanner Eggert received 56 votes.

Gary Ward 3 alderman

With a final vote of 26-17, Mike Nosbush was elected as Ward 3 alderman for the city of Gary. He defeated Clark Dessler.

Hayti Town Board

With 74 votes, Greg Biederstedt was re-elected to the town board. He faced challengers Doug Weelborg, who had 71 votes, and Patricia Uskoski, who received 10 votes.

Hecla Ward 1 alderman

Shelley Ruenz was re-elected to the Hecla City Council with 15 votes compared to her challenger Marilyn Frohling, who received 12.

Henry trustee

The election for one two-year trustee position has ended in tie with Charles Heustess and Hanna Owen both receiving 34 votes. Incumbent Don Larson received 13 votes. The official results will be canvased Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The city is checking with the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office on what the next step is with a tie vote.

Mobridge-Pollock School Board

Incumbents Chris Fried and Eric Stroeder have been re-elected to three-year terms on the Mobridge-Pollock School Board, Stroeder received 260 votes and Fried received 241. Their challenger Denise Centeno received 32 votes.

Redfield Ward 2 alderman

With 43 votes, Brent Derscheid has been elected to a four-year term on the Redfield City Council representing Ward 2. His challenger Martia Siebrecht received 33 votes.

Selby mayor

By a margin of 117 to 24, former city councilman Jim Kihne was elected to a one-year term as Selby mayor. Kihne's opponent, William Keeler, was appointed mayor in January after the previous mayor resigned.

Summit trustee

Kathleen Quale was re-elected to a three-year trustee position on the Summit Town Board with 40 votes. She was challenged by Raymond Hadzis, who received 23 votes, and Brittany Neuhard, who received 0 votes.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Groton mayor re-elected, more city council, school board results