Oelwein Has a New Mayor

The city of Oelwein now has a new mayor. Voters went to the polls Tuesday, October 7, 2014 to choose a new leader, who residents want to take them in a new positive direction.

Four people were vying for the seat, and the winner is Peggy Sherrets, the council person and mayor pro tem who was appointed to the position shortly after former mayor Jason Manus resigned.

Sherrets' council seat must now be filled, either by appointment or special election.

The controversial election was sparked when then mayor 36 year old Jason Manus resigned in August after being charged with five counts of sexual abuse involving 2 young girls, ages 9 and 14.

Manus has pleaded not guilty to the charges, filed in connection to the incidents that allegedly took place at Manus' home in Oelwein in 2010.

The Oelwein City Council at first appointed council person and mayor pro-tem Peggy Sherretts to fill the seat. However, local citizens signed and submitted a petition calling for a special vote.

The unofficial vote tally: