By Jim Misunas
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

LARNED — William Nusser will be the new city of Larned mayor, replacing Robert Pivonka, who chose not to run for re-election.  Nusser, who is unopposed, will officially be elected April 7.
Nusser is staff accountant for Simmons & Simmons, Larned. He serves as the Chamber of Commerce treasurer and is a past Larned Kiwanis Club president.
“I’ve done some things with the Chamber of Commerce,” Nusser said. “This is a way to take a more active role in the community. I’m not opposed, but I will run a campaign and try and figure out what the citizens want.”
Nusser said he visited with Pivonka before filing for mayor.
“Bob (Pivonka) was of  great service to his community and I know he is someone I can rely on for his experience and knowledge on the community,” Nusser said.
Nusser said the recent news that Taco Bell is building a business in town shows that Larned has a lot to offer.
“We have infrastructure to grow the community,” he said.  “I’m invested in the younger professionals in Larned. I want to insure that Larned has a good sustainable future.”
Nusser believes Larned is undervalued as a strong community and wants to establish a stronger community presence, possibly through a city website, which would enhance public relations.
“We need to work together because it’s important to brand your community as a good place to reside,” he said. “We should know what type of image we want our city to portray.”
Nusser would’ve preferred an opponent to get his message out.
“But I’m not surprised that people don’t run because it takes time to serve your community and the city council and mayor face scrutiny for what they do.”
The city council will feature three races involving Ward 1 (Carroll Bennett, Jim Simpson); Ward 2 (Kevin Barrett, Terry Clark); and Ward 3 (Matthew Craven, Crystal Grosfield, Dennis Wilson).
In Fort Larned USD 495,  David W. Sanger (Position 2) and Kimi Bowman (Position 3) are unopposed.
Elections will determine the winner for Position 1 between Sharon Lessard and Deborah Lewis and Position 7 between Debra Kauer and Jenny Manry .
Ruth Searight, Pawnee County clerk, reports filings for the city and school board election scheduled April 7.
The following candidates have filed for office in Pawnee County.
Larned City Mayor — William Nusser
Larned City Council
Ward 1 — Carroll Bennett, Jim Simpson
Ward 2 —  Kevin Barrett, Terry L. Clark
Ward 3 — Matthew Miles Craven, Crystal Grosfield, Dennis E. Wilson
Ward 4 — Kim Barnes
Burdett City Mayor — Paula M. Catlin, Leon Jennings
Burdett City Council (2 spots) — Gary D. McJunkin, Burke Pelton, Gary W. Schmidt, Joshua W. Smith
Garfield City Mayor —  Benny R. Burger
Garfield City Council (5 spots) — Kevin Greathouse,  Dennis Hoch, Robert Hoch, Edward Ummel, Amber Wilder
Rozel City Mayor — no filings
Rozel City Council (2 spots) — Erin A. Josefiak, Robert Lemuz, Pam Taylor
Fort Larned USD 495
Position 1 — Sharon Lessard, Deborah Lewis
Position 2 — David W. Sanger
Position 3 —  Kimi Bowman
Position 7 — Debra Kauer, Jenny Manry
Pawnee Heights USD 496
Position 1-1 — Cory Reece
Position 2-2 — Laurie J. Josefiak
Position 2-4  — Kevin Milch
Position 7 — Rochelle Miller
Larned USD 495 voters will also consider a $22 million school bond question.
The Fort Larned USD 495 board of education unanimously approved the following resolution at their regular monthly board meeting held Jan. 12.
A resolution authorizing and providing for the calling of a bond election in the Unified School District No 495, Pawnee County, Kansas (Fort Larned) for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors of the district the question of issuing general obligation bonds of the district; authorizing the application to the State Board of Education for the authority to call said bond election; and providing for the giving of notice of said bond election.
Shall the following be adopted?
Shall United School District No. 495, Pawnee County, Kansas (Fort Larned) issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $22.2 million to pay the costs to (A) make site improvements and construct, equip and furnish a new elementary school building in the district; (B) construct renovations and improvements to the existing high school, including but not limited to (1) replacement of certain windows, exterior doors and light fixtures; (2) improvements to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, science rooms, gymnasium and locker rooms; and (3) a new storm shelter/multi-purpose room, strength and conditioning areas and teacher’s workroom; and make all other necessary improvements, all pursuant to the provisions of KSA 10-101 et seg.: KSA 25-2018(f); KSA 72-6761; and KSA 75-2315 et seq