A change in leadership for the Village of Viola. Michael Lester has stepped down as mayor. Trustees have appointed Scott Barber as acting mayor. Barber had been a member of the village board.
Lester was charged in a theft and official misconduct case in August. He is facing one felony count of theft between $500 and $10,000 and 38 felony counts of official misconduct. The allegations involve a time period between October of 2022 and July of 2023. Lester has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is free on bond with a pre-trial conference set for Oct. 17.
