Purcell has a new mayor as Shelly Jolly takes over for Kelsey Freelend

Wanted: Two aldermen on four-person board

Kelsey Freeland organized residents of Purcell with a Facebook community page and used it to get four new officials elected in April – including herself as a write-in candidate for mayor.

However, on Sept. 1, she announced on the same group page that, “With a heavy heart I made the decision to resign as Mayor. I’ve tried my best to keep my head above water and deal with everything that comes with the title of mayor of such a small town but last night was the last straw for me, frankly I’m beyond exhausted.”

She said she feels her main accomplishment was to see through the purchase of the municipal water and sewer systems by Missouri American. Voters overwhelmingly approved the purchase in August.

Shelly Sargent Jolly is the new mayor. She was elected in April to a two-year term on the Board of Aldermen. 

Jolly becoming mayor creates a second vacancy on the board. The first occurred when Nancy Wilson, who had been running the city as mayor pro tem, was removed by the new members in April.

Current members are Darrell Wilson, who was also elected to a two-year term in April, and Echo Valadez, who was elected to a one-year term.

Also, Sharon Wedge announced her resignation as city clerk and treasurer on Aug. 10. She has been replaced by Chrissie Sargent.