No candidates yet for KM special election

The filing period for the special Kasson-Mantorville School Board election ends next week.
But as of Tuesday afternoon, no candidates had filed for office, according to Superintendent Beth Giese.
This past winter, just months after being re-elected, Amy Olson resigned from her position, which prompted an opening.
The school board selected former school board member Angie Richard to fill the temporary vacancy, after a contentious discussion over whether the seat should go to Patrick Walsh, who ran unsuccessfully in the 2024 election.
Though split, the board ultimately agreed to allow School Board Chair Mark Torkelson make the recommendation, with the rest of the board agreeing to abide by it.
Torkelson ultimately picked Richards, based on her prior experience and issues facing the school district, including the need to select a new superintendent following the abrupt resignation of Ted Ihns, months into a three-year contract.
Prior to being selected for the temporary vacancy, Richards vowed to not run in the special election.
As part of the process, the school board also heard from at least nine former school board members who all signed a letter recommending Richards for the temporary seat.
The period for filing affidavits of candidacy began on July 29 and will close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 12. The filing must be made at the school district office, and the fee is $2. Candidates must be eligible voters, 21 years of age or more on assuming office, and a resident of the school district for 30 days before the special election.
The special election is set for Nov. 4.