Schustek stays in charge of board

IOLA – The Village of Iola board president seat was contested for the spring election with incumbent Jennifer Schustek coming out on top April 1.
The numbers came in at 279 votes for Schustek and 207 votes for challenger Mike Richberg.
Schustek was first elected as board president in 2021, which was the only seat open at the time. She said her leadership skills and love of Iola has helped her in her role as board president, assisting with accomplishments such as fixing the Riverwalk, updating the village welcome sign as well as work on Chet Krause Legacy Park and Rosie’s Paw Park.
Schustek said she has a lot of gratitude for the voters of Iola to show up and making their voices heard and engaging in the democratic process.
“I am deeply grateful to have been chosen once again to serve as your village board president. It is an honor, and I look forward to continuing this important work over the next two years,” Schustek said. “While we may not all share the same views, I want every resident to know that I am here to represent all of Iola. My door remains open, and I welcome honest, respectful dialogue as we work together toward a stronger and more unified future.”

Schustek has a full schedule as she continues her work in the village, with the arrival of goats to take care of the buckthorn on the Riverwalk and continuing beautification efforts within the village itself.
She said she is also assisting in the creation of a vacant building ordinance as well as exploring options to enhance Taylor Field with new lighting, shelters and renovating the baseball diamond.
She said she also hopes to create a winter ice skating rink and getting more art around Iola.
“We’re also looking into adding murals around the village as a way to showcase local creativity, brighten up public spaces and celebrate our community’s identity,” said Schustek.
The challenger, Richberg, who moved to Iola in 2020, was previously a resident of Illinois and moved here with his wife wanting to find a new home prior to retirement, as they had grown tired of Illinois.
He is a member of the American Legion and joined the Iola Fire Department in 2024.
“Most importantly, I want to thank every person that supported me during the campaign including my wife Jennifer, my greatest supporter. I am very proud and deeply humbled by of the number of votes I received and I was very happy to see the high voter turnout. I’d like to think both the overall turnout and votes I received indicate a re-engagement in our local politics,” Richberg said in a statement to the newspaper. “I will remain involved in village politics to stay informed about what is happening in our community and do my part to ensure the village board always acts in the best interest of the Iola village residents. A run for president in 2027 is not off the table.”