The state Supreme Court has halted a grassroots effort to recall the mayor of Coulee City, Rick Heiberg.

Chief Justice Barbara Madsen on Friday signed the court’s ruling, which reverses the Grant County Superior Court decision that allowed the recall effort. Justices may need as long as six months to issue their written opinion.

The recall effort was spearheaded by former Coulee City Councilwoman Jennifer Schwartz. Heiberg was elected in November 2009. After several months in office he clashed with two of the town’s five City Council members, some city staff and former councilwoman Schwartz who collected enough signatures to subject the mayor to a recall.

The mayor’s successful appeal overturns the lower court ruling and halts the recall effort.