Rick Clemens Jr (center) stands next to Trey Schleicher as they review a printout of the most recent results in the Saline County Clerk’s office during the April 7, 2026 municipal elections. (Photo by Kyle Hill, KMMO News)

Voters in Sweet Springs gave their overwhelming backing to Rick Clemens Jr as their next mayor.

Clemens cruised to a two-year term for the open seat, fending off challengers Wyatt Lea and Cody Pinkepank by an almost three-to-one margin. He was present at the Saline County Clerk’s office as the votes were tallied Tuesday, Apr. 7, and had this reaction to his sizable victory:

Clemens says he looks forward to helping Sweet Springs grow.

He added that he also looks forward to working with the Board of Aldermen and learning from them as he assumes office. One of those aldermen, Trey Schleicher, was also on hand to observe the count as he ran unopposed for another term in the second ward. John W Clevenger will return as aldermen for the first ward, defeating a challenge from outgoing mayor Frances “Frany” Vaught 83-61.

Sweet Springs saw nearly 36 percent turnout as voters also had to weigh in on a contested school board race, with five candidates vying for three seats. Unofficial totals from Pettis and Saline counties show Tyler Dohrman as the top vote-getter with 454 votes, followed by fellow newcomer Joe Arnold with 354. Current board president Martha Dohrman secured the third seat on 307 votes. Tracey Cochran finished fourth with 273 votes and will not return to the board, while Bethany Berryman had 264 votes. Sweet Springs voters also supported Proposition KIDS, giving the school district the go-ahead to issue two million dollars in bonds to fund a new roof for the elementary school and additional security upgrades.

Elsewhere in Saline County, voters across the county supported the property tax credit question with nearly 65 percent of the vote. The City of Marshall narrowly adopted a new half-cent sales tax for streets and other transportation improvements, with 52.6 percent in support. Just under 17 percent of Saline County’s registered voters cast a ballot Tuesday, compared to nearly 12 percent turnout for last April’s municipal election.

Click here for the unofficial results from the Saline County Clerk’s office.