A changing of the guard appears to be in order for a few seats on the Merrill Common Council, in the upcoming spring election.
In district 1, an extension has been granted as Chris Malm has filed for non-candidacy.
Paul Russell has stepped in to run unopposed for Malm’s seat thus far, as the 1st district candidacy closes on Friday.
In the 2nd district, incumbent Pete Lokemoen is being challenged by Amanda Kostman while Ryan Schwartzman stands unopposed in the 3rd district, as well as Kandy Peterson in the 4th.
Current council president John Burgener initially filed for non-candidacy on December 11th, but opted to run once again for the 5th district seat, filing candidacy papers on Monday.
John Kaufman will be Burgener’s challenger.
Dave Sukow has filed non-candidacy in the sixth district and looks to be replaced by Mary Ball, unopposed.
Tim Meehean stands unopposed for another two-year term in the 8th district while Ray Bloomer is challenging incumbent Rob Norton for the 7th district seat