Recount resolves close West Glacier trustee race

Heupel defeats Nolan, 65-63

Casey Heupel was sworn in as West Glacier's newest school board member Tuesday night, wrapping up a tight trustee election that included a recount on Monday.

Nolan said his name originally was on the West Glacier ballot, but he asked to be removed because he was being considered for a job as superintendent of the St. Ignatius School District and didn't know whether he would be able to commit to the board.

He changed his mind after further considering his situation and asking other people for advice. By that time, it was too late to get back on the ballot, so he ran as a write-in candidate.

Thirteen voters who likely intended to vote for Nolan in the West Glacier election wrote his name on the ballot for Flathead Valley Community College's trustee election instead. Those votes could not be counted in the West Glacier election.

Nolan, who was hired as St. Ignatius' new superintendent, had no comment on those 13 ballots.

"I wish the whole board and everybody at West Glacier well," he said. "It's a great little school, and I hope they can keep good things happening for kids."

Heupel said he hopes to do just that.

He served on the board for four years but decided not to run again when his term expired two years ago. He said he regretted the decision and is glad for another opportunity to serve as a trustee.

"I am excited to get back on the board," he said. "I hope we can move forward and do the best we can do … to represent the taxpayers in their best interest."

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or by e-mail at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com.