DELAWARE, Ohio -- Three incumbents defeated challengers yesterday and kept their at-large seats on the Delaware City Council.

Windell Wheeler, the current mayor, and council members Carolyn Kay Riggle and Gary Milner were the top vote-getters among seven candidates, according to final, unofficial results. Wheeler, 68, along with Riggle, 52, and Milner, 52, sought re-election to another four-year term.

Riggle captured the most votes, about 24 percent. "I'm so glad that the people of Delaware want me back," she said.

Challenging the incumbents were business owner Tim Dodge, 45; certified internal auditor Keith Mangine, 40; Woodland Cigar managing partner Ed Paxton, 45; and computer-repair business owner Steve Hill, 46.

Wheeler, who is retired, said he hopes to continue serving as mayor. His goals for the city include expanding jobs and maintaining services amid declining revenues.

When the three at-large winners are sworn in Nov. 16, the council will vote to appoint one to a two-year term as mayor.

Councilwoman Lisa Keller, 35, ran unopposed yesterday and was elected to finish the remainder of the 2nd Ward term formerly held by Dwight Crum, who resigned last year. Keller's term ends in November 2011.

dwilson@dispatch.com