NEWTON FALLS — Current Councilwoman-at-large Julie Stimpert will be returning to village council in 2026.

Unofficial and incomplete results in Tuesday’s general election had Stimpert receiving 81%and John Baryak 19%.

In the 1st Ward race, Brian Kropp was unopposed for the seat as former candidate Julie Lemon withdrew from the race on Sept. 8. Current 1st Ward Councilwoman Patricia Benetis chose not to seek re-election.

No candidate filed a petition to run for the 3rd Ward seat. Current councilman Bob Burke was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Brenda Persino, who resigned in December 2024 from the 3rd Ward.

Stimpert has said her focus areas are infrastructure improvements, community-relationship building and driving economic growth.

“I believe these initiatives are essential for

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