WESTSIDE -- With preliminary and uncertified final results in, it appears that Decatur, Gravette and Springtown will have new mayors.
In Decatur, Bob Tharp narrowly defeated incumbent mayor Charles Linam, 133 to 103 or with 56 percent of the vote.
In a very close Gravette mayor's race -- only a 13 vote difference -- Kurt Maddox received 50.85 percent of the vote or 387 votes compared to 374 votes for incumbent mayor Byron Warren (49.15 percent).
Stacy Digby will retain his post as mayor in Highfill, defeating councilman, former mayor and challenger Chris Holland, 108 to 85.
Preston Barrett received 60.61 percent of Springtown's vote, defeating incumbent mayor Paul Lemke, 20 to 13.
Greg Barber and Kevin Johnston ran unopposed in Sulphur Springs and Gentry and will retain their seats.
In the alderman races, James Furgason will keep his seat on the Gentry council, defeating challenger Katrina Cryer with 52 percent of the vote, 296 to 271.
In Gravette, Melissa Smith defeated Jimmy Denver in the Ward 1 race with 54 percent of the vote, 394 to 333. Melissa Burnett narrowly defeated Tina Crose, 367 to 356, in the Ward 2 race.
In Sulphur Springs, former mayor Bobby Simon was soundly defeated in his bid for the Ward 1 council seat by Zachary Beauford, 53 to 22. In the Ward 2 race, William "Bill" Middleton defeated Nancy Reich, 40 to 32.
Linda Taylor defeated Dixie Law in the Position 2 race at Springtown, 18 to 13; Karee Barrett defeated Amanda Richardson for Position 3, 19 to 14; and Terri Glenn defeated Kay Taylor for Position 4, 18 to 15.
In Decatur, David Sutton, James Jessen, Sandy Duncan and Robin Heath were elected to the city council, unopposed. Kim Goble and Nan McClain missed the filing deadline but could continue to serve until a representative is elected if appointed.
In Highfill, residents overwhelmingly approved two ballot measures to refund water and sewer bonds.
Gentry's bid for an additional 7/8 cent sales tax was defeated 347 to 252. The measure to annex certain lands passed 353 to 278.
Referred Ordinance No. 1, an ordinance establishing an ambulance service improvement district co-extensive with the boundaries of Benton County and establishing in the Quorum Court the authority to levy up to two-tenths (0.2) mills to fund such district's operations passed by 58 percent of the votes, 34,263 to 24,722. A second referred ordinance levying a fee for ambulance service on county residents failed, 5,658 opposed and 5,357 in favor.
As of the deadline Thursday, no recounts had been requested for the Eagle Observer coverage area, according to the Benton County Election Commission. Election results are expected to be certified and official 10 days after the election.
The full but unofficial election results of Benton County, with all precincts counted, can be found at the county's website: http://www.bentoncountyar.gov/Media/Image/ElectComm/ElectionResults/Results2.htm.
General News on 11/12/2014