SOLDIERS GROVE - Voters in the Village of Soldiers Grove will go to the polls on Tuesday, Feb. 17, to narrow the field of three candidates down to two for an open trustee seat on the Village Board. The two top vote-getters will advance to the Nonpartisan election to take place on Tuesday, April 7.

The three candidates include incumbent Harrison Heilman, Jill Quandahl, and Katie Dobson.

Harrison Heilman

Hello! My name is Harrison Heilman I am running for the Office of Village Trustee of Soldiers Grove. I’ve lived in Soldiers Grove with my partner since 2017 having taken a job with La Crosse County. However it was in the farming world that I found my vocation. We currently own two apple orchards in Gays Mills as well as a successful Inn. You may have seen the lettering on the side of the building of the flats’ newest night light.

I was elected to the village board in 2018 and have served three terms as Village Trustee. Since then, the citizens of Soldiers Grove and Clayton Township’s 1st Ward elected me to the County Board of Supervisors. It is an honor to hold these offices.

The main role of a Village Trustee is to oversee the spending of public funds. The function of our meetings is to allocate public funds for different projects needed to maintain the village. This could be anything from plowing the roads to maintaining the fire hydrants to overseeing zoning and land allocation. We issue permits and licenses and with the money are able to fund new projects and purchases.

As a member of the village board I have helped to steer the village through the Sewer Upgrade Project. Beginning with a 2022 EPA mandate regulating phosphorus and nitrogen output in the Gulf, the village had to embark on a sewer upgrade to meet federal standards. It has been this project that has dominated the Village governance for the past 4 years.

Outside of the sewer project and general government role, my primary committee contribution for village is as a member of the Library Board. Since 2019, I helped the library grow its collection, services offered, and income opportunities and sources. I function as the liaison between the Library and Village Boards and help to foster communication and cooperation between the two entities. I have also served on the Board of Review.

My goal for government is to make it more accessible for people, and to make the public more aware of the Village’s function. I also insist on honesty, transparency, and expediency. I, along with the other members of the board, take your concerns and problems to the Board and Village Clerk for consideration and implementation. Remember, a real leader builds bridges. It is important that we have open and honest leaders in charge of the public trust and treasury.

At the end of the day, it important for everyone to exercise their civil rights and vote for honorable people to represent them in government. Please remember to vote in this year’s primary election on Tuesday February 17th.

Vote for Harrison Heilman for Soldiers Grove Village Trustee Tuesday February 17th, 2026.

Jill Quandahl

Hi! I’m Jill Quandahl, and I’m running for Village Trustee here in Soldiers Grove. While I didn’t grow up here, this village has always been a part of my family’s story. My mom and her siblings were raised in the area and went to school right here in town.

Nearly 8 years ago, I moved to Soldiers Grove with my boyfriend to build a life and blend our families. Together we’re raising six children, two now adults, and from the start this village has felt like home. I love the small-town character, the strong sense of community, and the way neighbors look out for one another.

I’ve been a licensed Massage Therapist for 11 years and own The Guiding Hand Therapeutic Massage in the village. As a small business owner who rents my space, I understand the challenges facing both renters and local businesses. Through my work, I serve my neighbors, listen to their stories, and see firsthand what matters most to our community.

Living here through the last major flood gave me an even deeper appreciation for Soldiers Grove. I watched friends, neighbors and strangers show up for one another, hauling belongings, sharing food, checking on elders, and doing whatever it took to help people through a difficult time. That experience is a big part of what inspired me to step up and serve on the Village Board.

Family means everything to me, and raising ours here has strengthened my commitment to keeping Soldiers Grove a safe, supportive, and welcoming place for people of all ages. As a trustee, I want to focus on improving our shared spaces, especially our park and lake area, so they are cleaner, healthier, and more inviting for families and visitors. I also want to strengthen our annual community events so they draw more people together, support local businesses, and showcase the best of Soldiers Grove.

I believe our village can thrive while preserving the small-town values that make it so special. I would be honored to listen, collaborate, and work hard to make that vision a reality as your next Village Trustee.

Katie Dobson

Hello neighbors! My name is Katie Dobson, and I am running for the Village of Soldiers Grove Trustee position. My husband, Kory Dobson, has owned our home for the past 15 years, and I moved to the Soldiers Grove area six years ago following our marriage in 2019. Over the last five years of living in this village with my husband, children, and pets, I have had the opportunity to witness the growth of our community and the strong, close-knit connections that make Soldiers Grove such a special place to call home.

I am running for Village Trustee because I genuinely care about our community and the people who live here. Soldiers Grove is more than just a place to live – it is home. I want to be a trustee who listens, shows up, and helps make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that benefit all residents, not just a few. I believe in transparency, accountability, and common-sense problem solving.

Our village deserves leaders who are approachable, willing to ask questions, and unafraid to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. I am committed to representing residents honestly and ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that impact our daily lives, our families, and our future.

As a trustee, my goal is to help keeps Soldiers Grove safe, financially responsible, and moving forward in a positive direction. I am committed to learning, working collaboratively with others, and making decisions that are in the best interest of the community. I am running to serve.

I am currently employed at M&T Transportation, where I work as a driver helping individuals who are unable to transport themselves to medical appointments. Serving others is important to me, and I strive to be as involved in my community as possible. When I am not working or volunteering, you can usually find me spending time with my children and grandchildren.