New Mayor for Hartington
HARTINGTON — Hartington is again searching for a new Mayor.
Current Mayor Tom Noecker announced in February he planned to step down in December so he could run for the Unicameral’s Dist. 40 Senate seat.
Retired exective Dan Kathol had planned on taking the post, but he formally took his name off of the ballot Friday.
Kathol, who had faithfully attended all Council meetings since throwing his hat into the ring last March, said health reasons have forced him to withdraw from the race. No one had stepped forward to challenge him for the four-year term, so it appeared he would be Hartington’s next Mayor.
“Because of health reasons and a specific recomendation from my doctor, I must respectfully withdraw as a candidate for the city of Hartington Mayoral position,” Kathol said.
He did not elaborate on his decision to withdraw from the race, but noted he will continue working on the volunteer projects he has been involved in. Kathol spear-headed a renovation project at the Hartington Senior Center. He is also leading an effort to revitalize Hartington’s Felber Park and has been active in the organization of the Cedar Catholic-Holy Trinity Alumni Association.
Cedar County Clerk Dave Dowling said it’s not too late to remove Kathol’s name from the ballot. State law allows for a new candidate to come forward and petition to be on the ballot. 
Hartington Mayor Tom Noecker was disappointed to hear of Kathol’s decision.
“Dan Kathol has been a great supporter of this community. He cares about the community and would have made an excellent Mayor,” Noecker said. “Myself and the City Council are disappointed he’s withdrawing his name, but we totally understand — a person’s health just has to come first. A person’s health is the most important thing.”
Noecker said he and the rest of the Council appreciate all of the volunter work Kathol has put in since moving back to Hartington a few years ago. 
“Dan has done a lot of good things for this community. We look forward to working with him on future projects,” Noecker said.
Anyone interested in seeking the Hartington Mayoral position must file with Dowling’s office before Sept. 1, though, he said. 
Potential office-seekers must obtain the signatures of 75 registered voters before they can apply to be on the ballot, Dowling said. 
Noecker said he wants to do what he can to make a smooth transition into office for the new Mayor. 
“Who ever gets elected, I will work with them closely to help make for a smooth transition,” Noecker said.