Many races decided in Taney and Stone counties; new mayor elected in Forsyth

Decisions were made in several races throughout Taney County on Tuesday, though voter turnout was very light, at just 6.54% of registered voters heading to the polls.

There were no challengers in the race for Branson Mayor or Branson Aldermnn. Mayor Larry Milton, and City Council Members Clay Cooper, Artie Lucas and Ruth Denham will all retain their positions.

The question facing Branson voters regarding extending the existing one-half cent transportation tax passed, by a vote of 194 to 104.

In Forsyth, the proposed Local Use Tax did not pass. The vote was 58.54% no.  

David Casaletto was elected Mayor of Merriam Woods, beating out his two opponents with 51.57% of the vote.

Charyl E. Soyland was voted Mayor of Rockaway Beach, receiving 75.32% of the vote.

In the race for Bradleyville School Board, Scott Lawson was the winner with 39.67% of the vote. Also elected was Bernie Davis, who received 33.06%.

Brian Chaney received 46.30% of votes to be elected to the Taneyville School Board, followed by Todd W. Brown with 33.33% of Taneyville votes.

In the Forsyth School Board election, Dawn Muller was victorious, receiving 39.12% of votes, followed by Ben Robers with 38.43%.

The Mark Twain School Board welcomes Bryce Biggs, with 45.95% of votes, followed by Bradley Hodges with 39.64%.

Tim Simmons and Dan Luttrell were named as Directors of the Central Taney Fire Protection District. Simmons received 36.70% of votes, while Luttress received 35.82%.

The position of Alderman for Ward Two in Hollister went to Chris Carlson, who garnered 76.47% of votes cast.

Stone County saw a slightly higher voter turnout, with 9.8% of voters casting ballots.

The proposed Stone County Tourism Tax passed with 56.72% of voters saying yes.

Jimmy Leach was voted Mayor of Reeds Spring, receiving 50.8% of votes cast.

Perry Phillips and Gordon Weathers received the majority of votes to be elected to the Reeds Spring School Board, with Phillips gaining 41.37% of votes, and Weathers at 39.62%.

The Branson West Waterworks and Sewer Bond passed, with 84.8% of voters saying yes.

The Reeds Spring Marijuana Tax also passed, with 78.5% of voters agreeing to the tax.

New Mayor for Forsyth

Mayoral candidate Julie AuBuchon beat incumbent Missi Hesketh to become the new Mayor of Forsyth. AuBuchon received 53.92 % of the vote, with Hesketh receiving 46.08%. 

AuBuchon, who was born and raised in rural Kansas, moved to Forsyth in 2021.  

"I am a pro-life, pro 2-A, pro-liberty loving American," said AuBuchon, prior to the election. "I am retired and have the time to devote my attention to being part of a team that faces the tough challenges. I think my skill set and life experiences will help the aldermen to be able to have more information to make the best possible decisions for our community. As mayor, I will listen to the voice of the people, work with the board and city administration, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for all."

AuBuchon continued, "I am not a politician, but a caring, commonsense, conservative servant leader. Let's make Forsyth the best it can be."