Most races likely decided in general election

GRANT, ADAMS COUNTIES - Most races in the general election have been decided in both Grant and Adams counties as the last of the ballots are counted.

With an estimated 300 ballots left to count in Grant County, Todd Voth ensured himself a position with the Moses Lake City Council, leading 13-year Councilmember Brent Reese by more than 400 votes. Voth also ran for council in 2009, losing to Councilmember Jon Lane.

Oscar Ochoa defeated Anthony Mejia for Moses Lake School District Director position 2, receiving 2,916 votes compared to 2,323 for Mejia. Ochoa will replace Lew Mason on the board.

Quincy Mayor Jim Hemberry will retain his position, receiving about 70 percent of the votes over Patricia Naigle-Martin.

For Quincy City Council position 2, newcomer Erin James has slightly closed the gap over incumbent Adam Roduner, but still trails by 81 votes. Position 4 incumbent Paul Worley locked up re-election, getting 73 percent of the votes over challenger Jeremy Seda. Position 5 incumbent Jose Saldana trails David Day 507-341, netting just 40 percent of the votes so far. Dustin Petersen currently leads Matt Tait by 105 votes for position 6.

Coulee City Mayor Richard Heiberg now trails his challenger Robert Dove 133-98 after being back just 19 votes after the initial ballot count on election night last Tuesday. Current Coulee City Councilmember Jim Adams leads Daniel Delp 146-75 for position 5.

Only 20 ballots remain to be counted in Adams County and every race has likely been decided.

Shawn R. Logan handily beat out incumbent Tim Wilson for Othello mayor, receiving nearly 66 percent of the vote. In a much closer race, newcomer Corey Everett leads incumbent Ken Caylor by just 17 votes but will likely replace Caylor for City Council position 3.

Jamie Schmunk will return for another four years as Lind mayor, receiving about 64 percent of the votes over Larry Koch. Karissa Labes has defeated incumbent Rosemary Elkington for City Council position 1. Kathy White will fill council position 2, defeating Calah Kulm by 30 votes.

The election is certified Nov. 26.