By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

ELLIS–Two new faces will front the Ellis City Council following Tuesday’s election.

Newcomers Dena Patee and Susan Eaton were first and third respectively, in the balloting for three open seats on the city council. Incumbent Jolene Niernberger came in second.

Incumbents Gary Luea and John Walz were fifth and sixth in the vote-getting and will leave the council at the end of their terms. Seven residents ran for the three positions.

Below are the final results from the Ellis County Clerk which are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission Mon., Nov. 14. Countywide voter turnout for the general election was 65.16 percent.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL-Vote for three

Dena Patee–447; 18.53%
Jolene Niernberger (I)–403; 16.71%
Susan Eaton–351; 14.55%
Martin V. LaBarge–327; 13.56%
Gary Luea (I)–306; 12.69%
John Walz (I)–288; 11.94%
Nan Brown–287; 11.90%
Write-in–3; 0.12%

The three winning candidates will be sworn into office at the Jan. 9, 2017 council meeting, according to Ellis City Clerk Amy Burton.