Full Vernon County spring election results 2025

(Editors note: We made a correction in the town of Liberty results. We had the results correct in our tabulation but incorrectly stated that Jason Vidas won a coin toss to settle a tie vote in our summary narrative. Carrie Vanek won that coin toss and has been elected to that seat. All results are preliminary and subject to final canvass of the numbers. We apologize for the error. )

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – Vernon County voters followed the statewide trend and voted for Jill Underly for State Superintendent and Susan Crawford for the State Supreme Court, although by a narrow margin than the state results. Vernon County also followed the statewide trend in approving a state referendum on voter ID.

Locally, perhaps the most watched race was the race for Westby Mayor. Westby businessman Garrick Olerud mounted a write-in campaign but fell short of unseating incumbent Danny Helgerson, who has been Mayor for 10 years.

Olerud posted a comment on the loss on social media saying “I want to sincerely thank all 436 people who wrote my name on the ballot. We came close, and I truly appreciate your support. To everyone who reached out with kind words or encouragement — thank you. It means a lot. Congratulations to Danny on winning the race. I truly hope to see Westby continue to move forward under his leadership. I’ve really appreciated the conversations I’ve had with so many residents throughout this process, and I’m encouraged by how many people care deeply about our community and want to get involved.”

We contacted Helgerson about his win and he responded by saying “It was a close election. Garrick ran a very good campaign. I know we both want Westby to prosper and be the best city to live in.”

In the Village of Coon Valley, challenger Matt Helgerson defeated incumbent Village President Karl Henrichsen by a vote of 202 to 151.

Through a social media post Henrichsen struck a positive tone about his loss saying:

“As my time as Village President comes to an end, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community over the past eight years.

We have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and worked together to make Coon Valley a place we are all proud to call home. Through it all, one thing has remained constant—our village’s resilience and sense of community.

I want to thank the board members, past and present, who have served alongside me. While individuals may change, our shared commitment to doing what is best for the entire village has never wavered. I also want to extend my appreciation to the residents who entrusted me with this responsibility, as well as my supporters who have stood by me since day one. Your dedication and encouragement have meant the world to me.

As I step into the next chapter, I encourage Coon Valley to continue moving forward with unity, vision, and determination. Our village has a bright future, and I have no doubt that great things are ahead.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve. Coon Valley will always have my support.“

Helgerson also posted a comment about his win saying “Thank you! Gaining the trust of my neighbors is not something that I take lightly, and I am very grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing my work in this community, and building our great Village. Karl deserves much praise for his hard work and accomplishments in our small community. I look forward to working with you all soon!”

Referendums

There were two school referendums in the county. Viroqua voters approved (2243-1615) a referendum that allows the district to exceed to the their tax levy by $1.3 million a year for the next two years. De Soto voters however narrowly rejected (1152-1028) a referendum in their school district. School officials were asking to exceed their levy by a total of $4.2 million over three years.

Townships

A few other races to point out, long-time town chair in the town of Christiana, Dave Eggen (198) was unseated by Roger Lewison (254).

Darin Von Ruden held on as Chairperson (117) in the town of Clinton by defeating Lars Bergen (100).

Incumbent town Chairperson Jim Mlsna (69) lost his seat to challenger Matt Stanek (130) in the town of Greenwood.

In the town of Kickapoo , town Chairperson Jeff Clements (108) lost his chair to fellow board member Rick Kettner (118).

In several communities write-in candidates were needed to fill out ballots where no one had filed papers to run for office. Readstown had three open trustee positions but only Ronald Nash was on the ballot. Chelsea Clark and Mike Brock were both elected as write-ins. In Stoddard, Scott Chiples and Karen Long were on the ballot for three open seats and and Terry Bera filled the third as a write-in. In the town of Liberty there were two open seats, Bill Townsely filled one and the other was filled by a coin toss when Carrie Vanek and Jason Vidas tied with 82 votes. Vanek won the coin toss.

Vote totals

Referendums

Westby

City Council

The Wards 1, 2 and 3 incumbents are all running unopposed. Mark Jelinek (Ward 1), Blaine Hedberg (Ward 2) and Dan Nelson (Ward 3) are up for reelection.

Hidden Valleys Court

Hillsboro City Council

Viroqua City Council

The Viroqua City Council Wards 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 incumbents are all running unopposed. Seth McClurg (Ward 1), Todd Kirking (Ward 3), Todd Spaeth (Ward 5), John Thompson (Ward 7) and Steve Willis (Ward 9).

Chaseburg

Coon Valley

Two candidates running for Coon Valley Village Board President, incumbent Karl Henrichsen, and Matt Helgerson. All incumbent trustees Gary Keuser, Gary Grethel and Ray Williamson are unopposed.

De Soto

Genoa

La Farge

Ontario

Readstown

Stoddard

Viola

Town of Bergen

Town of Christiana

Town of Clinton

Town of Coon

Town of Forest

Town of Franklin

Town of Genoa

Town of Greenwood

Town of Hamburg

Town of Harmony

Town of Hillsboro

Town of Jefferson

Town of Kickapoo

Town of Liberty

Town of Stark

Town of Sterling

Town of Union

Town of Viroqua

Town of Webster

Town of Wheatland

Town of Whitestown