R

esidents of the eastern Kanawha County town of Marmet have elected the community's first female mayor.

Current councilwoman Frances Armentrout outpaced incumbent Mayor David Fontalbert in the June 10, 2025 municipal election by 114 votes, according to unofficial voting results. More than 190 votes were cast for Armentrout, while Fontalbert received only 82 votes.

Fontalbert was appointed mayor in 2016 after longtime Mayor Bill Pauley was removed from office for violating city election laws. Residents elected him to continue in the position the following year.

Fontalbert was again elected mayor in 2021. He won the race with 212 votes, beating Jay Snodgrass who had 175 votes.

Armentrout, Marmet's newest mayor, was elected as a member of Marmet Town Council in 2021. 

In a May 30 social media post, the Boone County native and owner of local hotdog joint Chum's said she has always had an affinity for the eastern Kanawha County community.

"Even though I grew up in Peytona, I always dreamed of living in Marmet," Armentrout wrote. 

Her dream came true in 1975 when she married and moved to the town. She raised her children in the municipality, and has been active in various social, educational and civic organizations.

As a town council member, Armentrout said she has promoted activities to help build community. 

"I have been very active with the Recreation Department," Armentrout said. 

As mayor, Armentrout said she will provide "total transparency".

"This town belongs to the citizens, and they have every right to know what goes on," she said.

Armentrout is believed to be the first female mayor of Marmet, according to municipal sources.

Other municipal results

Also on Tuesday, current councilwoman Teresa Long was named the new town recorder, replacing current recorder Billie J. Fontalbert. Long ran unopposed on the ballot for the position.

In the race for town council, with five available positions, Terry Barley received the most votes (164), followed by Matthew Morgan (147), Michelle Lyttle (142) and Chance Walker (134). Becky Stone and Michael McGhee both received 116 votes, tying for the fifth seat.

A canvass, scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2025, will finalize the results of all races.