Burgess, Jones leading in Grant County primary
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 8 months AGO
EPHRATA — The Grant County Auditor certified the election results for the Aug. 6, primary election Aug. 20. There were 48,753 registered voters and 17,308 ballots counted, which was 35.5% of voter turnout.
Commissioner District 1 had three candidates and 6,128 votes. Kevin R. Burgess, Republican, had the most votes at 3,036. Followed was Amador J. Castro, Republican, with 1,823 votes. Dave Bren, Republican, withdrew from the race before the primary but after the ballot was printed. He received 1.239 votes. There were 80 write-in votes.
Commissioner District 2 had two candidates and 4,680 votes. Rob Jones, Republican, received the most votes at 2,857. David Henderson, Republican received 1,717 votes. There were 106 write-in votes.
Legislative District 13 State Representative Position 1 had 24,328 voters. Tom Dent won the election without opposing candidates. 23,504 people voted for Dent. There were 824 write-in votes. District-wide,
Legislative District 13 State Representative Position 2 had 24,092 voters. Alex Ybarra ran unopposed and received 23,366 people votes. There were 726 write-in votes.
The Legislative District 16 State Senate seat had two candidates and 35,903 voters. Perry Dozier, Republican, received the most votes at 22,908. Kari Isaacson, Democrat, followed with 12,964 votes. There were 31 write-in votes. District-wide, Dozier took 63.78% of the vote with 22,963 to Isaacson’s 13,012.
Legislative District 16 State Representative Position 1 had two candidates and 35,884 voters. Mark Klicker, Republican, received the most votes at 23,245. Linda Gunshefski, Democrat, received 12,617 votes. There were a total of 22 write-in votes. District-wide, Klicker received 64.76% of the vote with 23,303 to 12,660 for Gunshefski.
Legislative District 16 State Representative Position 2 had two candidates and 35,759 voters. Skyler Rude, Republican, received the most votes at 23,864. Craig R. Woodard, Democrat, had 11,855 votes. There was a total of 40 write-in votes. Rude received 23,927 votes, or 66.72%, to Woodard’s 11,895.
Supreme Court Justice Position 2 had four candidates and 13,678 votes in Grant County. Dave Larson received 6,755 votes. Todd A. Bloom received 3,593 votes. Sal Mungia received 2,334 votes. David R. Shelvey received 890 votes. There were a total of 106 write-in votes. The statewide vote was 762,797 for Mungia, 640,116 for Larson, 286,298 for Bloom and 59,676 for Shelvey, with 7,347 write-ins.
Grant County Fire District 3 Proposition No. 1 passed with 1,401 votes. There were 961 yes votes and 440 no votes, with 68.6% of voters approving. Revenue measures must receive at least 60% yes votes to pass.
Grant County Fire District 12 Proposition No. 1 did not pass with 179 votes. There were 94 approved votes and 85 no votes, 52.5% approving. Financial propositions must receive 60% of voter's approval to pass.
Grant County Fire District 13 Proposition No. 1 passed with 614 votes. There were 409 approved votes and 205 rejected votes, 60.6% approval.
The percentage of total ballots returned by age range in Grant County.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘Show up’
Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust
WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.
Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”
Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.