WESTSIDE — In addition to the late-night announcement of the victory of Republican candidates Donald Trump and Mike Pence to the office of president and vice-president in yesterday's elections, a number of local races were decided, though with far less drama.
Republicans John Boozman and Steve Womack easily won another term in the U.S. Senate and House, respectively.
Issues 1, 2, 3 and 6 all passed by healthy margins as well. The measures deal with term limits for elected officials, the governor retaining power when out of state, economic development bonds for state government and medical marijuana.
Barry Moehring (R) will be the new county judge and Shawn Holloway (R) will take over as the new Benton County Sheriff. Both received more than twice the votes of their opponents.
Michael Savage, Jr., defeated Jacob Faught for the Township 5 constable post.
In Decatur, Sandra Duncan defeated Katie Redmond for the Ward 1, Position 1, council seat, 178-144.
In Gentry, Jason Barrett defeated Katrina Cryer for the Ward 1, Position 1, council seat, 647-265.
Gravette approved four-year terms for council members, 871-251.
In Highfill, Mark White defeated Paula Pautsky for the Ward 3, Position 2, seat on the city council, 142-88. A proposed five-year sales and use tax increase for road repair and maintenance in Highfill was defeated, 144-115.
In Springtown, Janet Bostwick defeated Linda Taylor for the Position 2 alderman post, 19-12. Karee Barrett will retain her Position 3 post, defeating Paul Lemke, 18-13. Dixie Law defeated Lisa Taylor, 19-12, to keep the Position 4 seat. And David Clark will replace Don Jech in the Position 5 seat, winning by two votes, 17-15.
The above results are from yet uncertified election numbers.