New Bloomfield, Auxvasse approve bond issues

New mayor elected in New Bloomfield

A sewer and water bond issue in Auxvasse and a street bond issue in New Bloomfield received overwhelming approval in area city elections Tuesday.

Auxvasse voters approved a $5 million bond issue to finance extending and improving its current water and sewerage systems by a vote of 83 to 18.

Deanna Knipp said she believes Auxvasse needed to approve the bond issue. "I think it's greatly needed. The infrastructure is in poor shape - it's very old and needs to be improved. We need the money to improve the whole system."

Wilmon Smithee agreed with Knipp. "The system we have will be 100 years old in 2017 - I seen them patching it about every week. Auxvasse needs it."

Auxvasse Alderwoman Stephanie Leverett was unopposed and won re-election to another term. Michael Berschinger was appointed to the board to represent the South Ward during a meeting on Jan. 3 and also was elected.

In New Bloomfield the $315,000 bond issue for street improvements was approved by a vote of 57 to 26.

A new mayor was elected when Michael Lowe Sr. defeated incumbent Terry L. Shaw 48 to 34.

Alderman Paul Hilchen narrowly defeated challenger Bryan E. Manes, 19-16.

In Holts Summit the office of mayor and two members of the Board of Aldermen were on the ballot but there were no contests for any of the offices.

Mayor Lucas A. Fitzpatrick was re-elected along with Alderman Thomas L. Durham. Alderwoman Pam Murray did not seek re-election. Sharon Schlueter filed for that office and was elected without opposition.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.