Two candidates filed for Office No. 2 on the Okarche Town Board of Trustees.

They were: Keith E. Griesel, 47, and Judd K. Kroener, 53.

Voters will fill in the box next to one of the names.

The seat of Office No. 4 was also open, but only one candidate filed. JD Mueggenborg, 43, will fill that seat.

There was also only one candidate to file for town treasurer: Brian Schieber, 50.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATES

Keith E. Griesel, 47, has worked the last three years as an independent brewery consultant.

Prior to that, he was the chief operating officer at Expendinture Brewery (201922), a social studies teacher at El Reno Public Schools (2014-19) and a CPS specialist 3 at the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services (2009-14).

Griesel and his wife Laura (Emde) have two children: Willa, 10, and Teddy, 6.

Griesel graduated from Okarche High School in 1996, then earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Oklahoma State University in 2000 and also a bachelor’s degree in museum studies with minors in political science and public administration from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2011.

He also served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard as part of the 137th Civil Engineering Squadron from 2006-14. He was deployed to southwest Asia twice and once to the Arizona/ Mexico border.

Griesel is a past president and current secretary of the Okarche Lions Club, a lifetime member of the National Guard Association of Oklahoma, professional member of the Master Brewers Association and also a member of the Oklahoma Museums Association.

This is his first time to file for an elected office.

Judd K. Kroener, 53, has served as the supervisory program manager for the Federal Aviation Administration since 2021.

Prior to that, he was the director of support/group commander of the 137th Special Operations Wing (2019-2021), commander of the 189th Intelligence Squadron (2016-19) and commander/chief financial officer of the 137th Comptroller Flight (2011-16), all in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

Kroener is an Okarche High School graduate and married to Julie (Eischen). He has six adult children (Justin, Ashley, Kaleb, Jared, Logan and Colin).

He attended Metro Tech Aviation Center and became a certified FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic and also earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He also took part in the Executive Leadership and Strategic Studies Program at the United States Air Force War College.

He has served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard since 1989 enlisting as an A-7/F-16 aircraft mechanic and achieving the rank of master sergeant before commissioning as a second lieutenant in 2005.

He’s held key leadership roles including finance management officer, aircraft maintenance officer, intelligence officer and support commander, with command experience at the flight, squadron and group levels.

Kroener is currently serving as a colonel and the director of personnel at Joint Forces Headquarters.

This is Kroener’s first time to file for a public office.

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES

Tell voters why we should vote for you:

Keith Griesel: “I am a dedicated community leader, veteran and have been part of multiple businesses in Okarche. I am committed to smart growth, local business support and a strong future for Okarche families. With experience in public service, education and leadership, I hope to bring a well-rounded perspective to advocate for residents. My deep Okarche roots, passion for service and proven track record make me a solid choice to represent and uplift Okarche.”

Judd Kroener: “I am committed to the core values of public service – trust, integrity and loyalty to the people I serve. While respecting the decisions of the past, I believe in re-evaluating them through a fresh perspective to ensure they are in alignment and address our evolving challenges and needs. I will serve with transparency, accountability and a forward-thinking approach that meets the needs of the community.”

What are the top two issues, or projects, in your town that need immediate attention? If elected, what will you do about them?

Keith Griesel: “ The two most pressing issues in Okarche are business and infrastructure support. Our local businesses are vital to our economy, but they face challenges like rising costs and limited resources. If elected, I will work to create a business-friendly environment by streamlining regulations, advocating for local businesses and fostering partnerships to strengthen economic growth. Infrastructure is also critical to Okarche’s future. Our infrastructure is always aging. Monitoring and planning are instru- mental to ensure our roads, water and sewage systems not only meet our current needs but also will meet our future. I will prioritize securing funding for infrastructure improvements, ensuring tax dollars are used efficiently and implementing proactive maintenance plans. By supporting local businesses and improving infrastructure, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future for Okarche.”

Judd Kroener: “I believe the municipality should prioritize the continued modernization of Public Works, utilities infrastructure, water systems, roads, and emergency services. These improvements are crucial to addressing the community’s evolving needs and ensuring long-term sustainability. Equally important is fostering transparency throughout the decision-making process by clearly communicating the what, when, where, why and how behind every action. This commitment not only respects the residents who have worked tirelessly to preserve our community’s culture, but also ensures we remain resilient, efficient and well-prepared for future challenges. By embracing innovation while maintaining open communication, we honor our past and invest in a better tomorrow.”