WINTERSET, Iowa -- Residents in Madison County are ready to put the focus back on the basics after a tumultuous nine months for the local government. They are hoping the results of a recent special election are the first step toward that.

Former board clerk Michele Brant will take control of the Auditor's Office after a landslide victory on Tuesday. She beat appointed temporary Auditor Matthew Schwarz with more than 70% of the vote, according to preliminary results.

The special election was held after more than 1,400 citizens signed a petition to challenge Schwartz's July appointment, which followed months of controversy surrounding the seat and other county issues.

"Can this get any crazier?" said Peggy Carpenter, of what went through her mind in recent months as she watched local even

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