Almost 16 percent of the county’s registered voters traveled to polling precincts in last week’s municipal election.
A senior citizen tax credit ballot issue – exempting those aged 62 and older from an increase in property tax liability on their primary residence – passed with over 87% approval. Sam Kelley defeated Kevin Stilley and JD Hatcher to claim a two-year term as Houston mayor. He’ll be sworn in next week.
In Licking, Scott Ogden – one of three declared write-in candidates – defeated Tina Sisco and Sean Shearing to become mayor. Ogden received 71 votes, Tina Sisco received 20 and Sean Shearing received three, according to unofficial early tabulations.
County Clerk Peggy Seyler said tabulations went smooth; the final counts for most races were available just an hour-and-a-half after polls closed April 8. Tabulations for write-in races were available April 10.
HOUSTON – CITY RACES
Ann Tottingham received 65 votes to defeat Brittany Weinpert and David Weybright for an expiring Ward II seat on the Houston City Council. Kimberly Bittle defeated Morgan Patterson for a Ward III seat. Adam Vandiver ran unopposed for a Ward I position. A continuation of a one-fourth of one percent sales tax for transportation purposes was approved with 65.82% of the votes. Funds are used for the city’s annual asphalt overlay program.
COUNTY-WIDE RACES
Jerri Sue Crump received 917 votes (37.51%) to defeat Marie Lasater (698), George Sholtz (466) and Chelsye Scantlin (364) for a five-year seat on the Texas County Memorial board of trustees. Crump was appointed to fulfill Steve Pierce’s term after he resigned in February 2024.
TOWNSHIPS
Jeff Malam and Larry Curnutt won seats on the Pierce Township board and John Thobe will join them as clerk. In Sherrill Township, Leroy Lane and Roy Ogden won seats on the board.
In Upton Township, Darrell Campbell (17) and Don Stilley (16) received write-in votes for two board member positions. Gina Campbell received 15 votes for clerk and Kelly Warner received 14 for treasurer. All Upton Township winners were declared write-ins, according to Seyler.
In Sargent Township, William Colborn (22), Phil Weeks (3), Dustin Hicks (2), Steve Shannon (1) and Dennis Clinton (1) received votes for two board member positions. Tyler King, Mary Owings and Casey Dixon each received one vote for clerk. Casey Dixon (5) and William Colborn (1) received votes for treasurer. None were declared write-ins, said Seyler.
In Cass Township, Karen Smith (7), Madeline Miller (3), Amanda Hamilton (1), Tona Bowen (1), Racheal Pursifull (1) and Sean Smith (1) received votes for clerk. Madeline Miller (4) and Ladonna Malberg (1) received votes for treasurer. None were declared write-ins, said Seyler.
In Ozark Township, Jeremie Goodchild (15), Cody Mosley (14), Noah Morrison (10), Dan Kyle (2), Roger Halstead (2), Bob Roach (1) and Wilma Roach (1) received votes for two board member positions. Noah Morrison (3), Cody Mosley (2) and Edith Bailey (2) received votes for clerk. Kim Morrison (11) and Faye Kyle (2) received votes for treasurer. Goodchild, Mosley, Noah Morrison and Kim Morrison were declared write-ins, according to Seyler.
OTHER RACES
Jake Floyd and Heidi Moloney won seats on the Licking school board. Don Rose and Patty Handley won seats on the Plato school board. Brody Hayes, Douglas Suda and Beth McNew won seats on the Success school board.
In Texas County voting, Jacob Reese and Michael Warneke led voting for two seats on the Cabool school board. Reese and Shaun E. Watson won the seats once Douglas County results were counted.
In Texas, Wright and Douglas counties voting, Logan Williams and Amanda Owens took two seats on the Mountain Grove school board and Sheena White defeated Shawna Plummer for a seat.
In Texas, Howell and Douglas counties voting, Roger Shanks and Meagan Jones won seats on the Willow Springs school board.
In Cabool, a renewal of a one-half of one percent sales tax for transportation purposes was approved with 59.22% of the vote. A vote for a local use tax in Raymondville was OK’d 19-15.
In Mountain Grove, David Todd won the mayor’s race and Dean Curtis won a Ward I seat.
An election table appears online at houstonherald.com. All results have been certified.