By Adam Johnson

The election on April 1 will see a contested election for the position of president of the Iola Village Board. The visions of Mike Richberg and incumbent Jennifer Schustek may be different in some areas, but both relate a concern and love for the residents who reside in the village and its future.

Questions were presented to the candidates, and what follows are their written answers to those questions. The answers have only been edited to correct misspellings, punctuation, and news style.

This is part 2 of articles on the candidates for the position. Part 1 on Mike Richberg ran previously.

Tell us about yourself, what experience you bring to the position you are applying for, and why you wish to run?

I was born and raised in the Iola community, where my husband and I raised our two daughters. I have had the honor of serving as village president since April 2021. Growing up working in our family-run business, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the needs of local businesses and the importance of community. My experiences in both business and leadership have prepared me to continue making informed decisions for the future of Iola.

I’m running for re-election to ensure our village remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I’m committed to serving this community and look forward to what we can achieve together.

If elected, what are your short-term goals to accomplish for the community?

If re-elected, my focus will be on continuing to improve and enhance the quality of life in Iola. I am committed to the following short-term goals:

1. Riverwalk Repairs and Enhancements – I will prioritize continued repairs and upgrades to the Riverwalk to make it a more enjoyable and accessible space for everyone in the community.
2. Additional Pickleball Courts – As the sport continues to grow in popularity, I plan to support the construction and development of additional Pickleball courts to provide more recreational opportunities.
3. Splash pad and Taylor Park Refurbishment – Developing a splash pad for families and revitalizing Taylor Park will help make our community a more vibrant, family-friendly place to gather and enjoy outdoor activities.
4. Hiking Trail Development – I will work towards creating a hiking trail that connects the Village of Iola with the Village of Scandinavia, enhancing outdoor recreation and fostering a sense of community.
5. Beautification with the Iola Community Development Committee – Continuing to work with the Iola Community Development Committee, I’ll focus on beautifying our village and preserving the charm that makes Iola special.
6. Business Growth – I’ll collaborate with the State and other resources to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing ones, strengthening Iola’s local economy.

These initiatives will help us build a stronger, more vibrant Iola, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue working on behalf of this wonderful community.

What are your long-term goals?

Looking ahead, my long-term goals for Iola focus on sustainable growth, maintaining our community’s charm, and ensuring a bright future for all residents. Here are my key priorities:

1. Economic Growth and Development – I aim to attract new businesses while supporting existing ones, creating a diverse and thriving local economy that provides opportunities for all residents.
2. Infrastructure and Sustainability – I will work to ensure our infrastructure — roads, utilities, and public services — continues to meet the needs of a growing community. At the same time, I will prioritize sustainable practices to protect our environment and keep Iola a beautiful place to live for generations to come.
3. Enhanced Recreational Opportunities – Beyond the current development projects, I envision expanding our recreational offerings with additional parks, green spaces, and community centers that cater to people of all ages.
4. Community and Regional Collaboration – I will foster strong relationships with neighboring communities, organizations, and regional leaders to address shared challenges and maximize opportunities for collaboration.
5. Preserving Iola’s Character – I am dedicated to ensuring that as we grow, we maintain the small-town charm and close-knit community that makes Iola so special. This includes continuing beautification efforts and honoring our town’s rich history.

These long-term goals are aimed at making Iola a place where families and businesses can thrive for many years to come, while keeping the spirit of our community intact. I am excited about the future and the progress we can make together.

How do you plan to attract new businesses, and what type of businesses are you working to attract?

As president of the Village of Iola, I remain committed to fostering economic growth by supporting both existing businesses and attracting new ones. Through the Revitalization Committee, which includes local business owners, area residents, Chamber of Commerce representatives, and Village board members, we are actively working to identify opportunities and address challenges in our local economy.

One of the key challenges we face is the limited availability of commercial space within the Village. Recently, I have been in discussions with a local resident who is looking to establish a dog grooming business in Iola but is struggling to find a suitable commercial location. Additionally, an existing business owner is seeking space to open a boutique, which would add to the variety of shopping options for residents and visitors. However, the shortage of available properties has made it difficult for these entrepreneurs to move forward with their plans.

To address this issue, the Revitalization Committee is actively exploring ways to encourage property development and identify potential commercial spaces that could be repurposed for new businesses. We are also working to connect business owners with state and federal resources that may assist in financing or developing commercial properties.

A strong local economy depends on our ability to support entrepreneurs and create opportunities for new businesses to establish themselves in Iola. By working together as a community, we can find solutions to these challenges and continue to make Iola a welcoming place for business growth and investment.

Main Street and many homes in the community are empty, and many buildings are deteriorating and falling into a state of decay. How as village president do you plan on working with the community to fill/repair these empty spaces?

A thriving community depends not only on attracting new businesses but also on maintaining and revitalizing the spaces we already have. As president of the Village of Iola, I recognize that empty buildings and deteriorating properties present significant challenges to our local economy and overall community appeal. That is why I have been working closely with the Village of Iola Trustees to develop a new ordinance aimed at giving the Village greater latitude in addressing these issues.

This ordinance, which will be formally announced at the March 2025 Village Board meeting, is designed to provide the Village with more tools to work with property owners to repair, repurpose, or redevelop vacant and neglected buildings. Our goal is to improve existing facilities, make commercial spaces more accessible to investors, and encourage new businesses to establish themselves in Iola.

By ensuring that empty and deteriorating buildings do not remain stagnant, we can create opportunities for growth while also preserving the character and charm of our Village. This ordinance will allow us to encourage property improvements, support local businesses in finding suitable locations, and help new entrepreneurs invest in Iola with confidence.

Additionally, through the Revitalization Committee, we are working with property owners and businesses to identify potential solutions, from rehabilitation projects to repurposing underutilized spaces. These efforts, combined with our work to attract new businesses, will help revitalize Main Street and surrounding areas, making Iola an even more vibrant and welcoming place to live and work.

Community input is essential to making these initiatives successful, and I encourage residents to stay engaged as we move forward with these improvements. Together, we can build a stronger, more dynamic Iola.

What problems are facing the Iola community and its residents are most important to you, and how do you wish to address those problems?

There are several important issues facing the Iola community that I am committed to addressing during my time as Village president.

One issue that has been raised by many residents is the potential for allowing chickens within the Village. I understand the interest in this topic, and I am actively looking to neighboring communities and the State for guidance on how to implement a safe and regulated system for residents who wish to keep chickens. I am also carefully reviewing the costs and potential impacts to the Village, ensuring that any decision made is in the best interest of the entire community. It is important to balance the desires of residents with the need for safety, cleanliness, and proper regulation.

Another challenge I am addressing is the ongoing debate about the future of our local police department. Some local businesses have been pushing for the abolishment of the Iola Police Department and have even nominated a candidate to run against me, advocating for a negative narrative surrounding our law enforcement. I want to make it clear that I believe the residents of Iola are safer because of the dedicated men and women who serve on our Police Department. They work tirelessly to protect our community, and I will continue to support them in their important role.

I believe that safety, well-being, and community engagement should be at the heart of every decision we make. These issues, while challenging, are opportunities for us to come together as a community and make thoughtful decisions that will benefit us all. I will continue to listen to the concerns of residents, work with neighboring communities, and seek solutions that maintain the values and safety of our village.

There have been a few attempts in the past to expand the Riverwalk. How can you help expand this recreation trail?

I am proud to highlight my commitment to enhancing the Riverwalk — a unique asset that connects us to our beautiful natural surroundings and provides a cherished recreational space for our residents.

When I became Village president in 2021, the boardwalk was in such a state of disrepair that many sections were deemed unsafe and had to be closed. I made it a priority to address this issue, garnering the support of the Village Trustees and community members to invest in its repair. Today, the Riverwalk stands fully open and functioning, allowing residents to safely engage with and enjoy the natural beauty Iola has to offer.

Looking forward, I am actively working with individual private investors and local businesses to further develop the Riverwalk. We are exploring enhancements such as sheltered areas along the trail, coverings for select sections of our bridges, and updated signage and placards. These improvements will not only elevate the visitors’ experience but also support local economic growth.

Additionally, I have initiated projects to maintain and improve the natural environment surrounding the Riverwalk. This includes brush and foliage trimming to foster healthy growth for local forage, trees, and wildlife, as well as utilizing eco-friendly measures like employing goats to naturally manage invasive species — a creative and cost-effective solution.

I am also collaborating with Village staff to explore state, local, and federal resources that may be available to support these enhancements. Together, these initiatives will help expand and preserve the Riverwalk as a vibrant, sustainable feature for our community to enjoy for years to come.

What are your proudest accomplishments while serving in office?

During my time as Village president, I’ve had the privilege of working on several initiatives that have brought positive change to Iola. Some of my proudest accomplishments include:

1. Music Ordinance for Local Businesses – One of the highlights of my tenure has been the passage of the music ordinance that allows local businesses to host outdoor music events. This has not only created a lively atmosphere but has also fostered continued economic growth within the village. It has provided local businesses with an opportunity to draw in more customers and enhance the overall vibrancy of Iola.
2. Construction of a Dog Park – I am also proud of the creation of our new dog park. This park provides a safe, dedicated space for residents to exercise and spend time with their pets, promoting both the well-being of our furry friends and the health of our community members.
3. Riverwalk Repairs – Another key accomplishment is the repair and reopening of the Riverwalk. This vital area is once again available for our residents to enjoy, providing a scenic, peaceful space for walking, jogging, and connecting with nature.
4. Upgrading Village Highway Signs – I’m proud to have supported the upgrading and repair of the village highway signs, which not only improve the safety and navigability of our roads but also enhance the charm of our small community. These signs are a small yet meaningful way to reinforce the welcoming spirit of Iola.
5. Development of Chet Krause Park – Lastly, I am incredibly proud of the development of Chet Krause Park, which honors one of the greatest residents Iola has ever had. Chet’s contributions to our community are immeasurable, and this park is a lasting tribute to his legacy.

Each of these accomplishments reflects our community’s shared vision for growth, safety, and a strong sense of place. I’m grateful to have been a part of these efforts and look forward to continuing to serve Iola in the years to come.

Some members of the community feel Iola is too small to support a police department. What are your views on Iola having a police department?

As president of the Village of Iola, I remain committed to ensuring our community’s safety. The question of whether Iola is too small to support a police department has been raised by a small but vocal group — primarily local tavern owners concerned about the costs involved. Their stance has even led them to nominate a candidate for Village president, someone they believe will be more inclined to defund or abolish the Police Department.

I understand these concerns; however, it’s important to note that while this vocal minority makes its views known, an overwhelming silent majority supports our police force. Many residents, who prefer not to air their dirty laundry on social media or in public forums, have expressed their backing through private emails, letters, and phone calls. Their quiet yet steadfast support affirms the value of having a local police department.

Our police officers serve Iola with dedication, professionalism, and integrity, ensuring that families, businesses, and visitors remain safe. I firmly believe that public safety is a critical priority, and maintaining an effective police presence is essential regardless of our Village’s size.

As Village president, I will work toward fiscally responsible solutions that sustain this vital service while addressing budgetary concerns. I encourage all residents to engage in constructive dialogue and consider the long-term benefits of a strong police presence that truly protects and unites our community.