Officials proud of local voters, poll workers

McCOOK, Neb. -- While the presidential election may not be settled for weeks and statewide elections went mainly as predicted, local voters had answers following Tuesday's vote.

"The poll workers were incredible, and got all the ballots back by 9 p.m.," said Penny Cooper, Red Willow Deputy County Clerk.

"We were so lucky with the weather, as we had long lines, just like the big cities.," Tuesday, Cooper apologized for a printing error that made it hard to verify voter rolls, slowing voting for a couple of hours before it could be corrected.

Red Willow County turnout was about 76 percent, even without provisional votes being counted.

"We are so proud of Red Willow County voters for overcoming the COVID fears and the misinformation on social media and coming out to vote in droves," Cooper said.

"Now we just have to wait to see who our President is."

In locally contested races, incumbent Jerry Calvin kept his seat on the McCook City Council with 2,210 votes, and will be joined on the council by Darcy Rambali with 1,903. Dawson Brunswick came in third with 1,689.

"While they weren't the results I was hoping for, I do not regret filling to run earlier this year. I am so thankful for this community and those that voted for me," Brunswick posted on Facebook.

"Best of luck to Jerry and Darcy; there's some big issues that need addressed in the next four years."

Republican Randy Dean earned the District 2 spot on the Red Willow County board of commissioners with 1,253 votes, beating Democrat Delaine Soucie, who had 140 votes.

Unopposed McCook School Board incumbents Teresa Thomas received 1,951, Brad Hays 2,876 and Tom J. Bredvick with 3,160.

Some Red Willow County results:

Red Willow County Commissioner Dist. 2

Rep. Randy Dean 1,253

Dem. Delaine Soucie 340

Elect county surveyor?

For 3,143

Against 1,817

McCook School Board Elect 3

Teresa Thomas 2,951

Brad Hays 2,876

Tom J. Bredvick 3,160

Southwest School Board Elect 3

Jason Kloepping 632

Duane A. Teter 718

Brooke Brooks 708

Indianola Council Elect 2

Sean Fried 134

Paul M. Blume 153

Nathaniel Herman 92

McCook Council Elect 2

Jerry Calvin 2,210

Darcy Rambali 1,903

Dawson Brunswick 1,689

Bartley Board Elect 2

Gary Newcomb 101

Brandon Brott 115

Danbury Board Elect 2

Eugene K. Axtell 41

Ardie Berry 32

Lebanon Board Elect 3

Steve Harrison 19

Write-in totals 24

Natural Resources Districts

Middle Republican Subdistrict 3

Travis Rousselle 855

William M. Barger's 416

Upper Republican NRD Subdistrict 3

David C. Brown 232

David R. Oxford Jr. 172.

In other area races of interest:

Furnas County

Southern Valley School Board Elect 3

Gary Rice 336

Graig A. Bailey 521

Ryan Hunt 607

Mike Taylor 530

Bob Berquist 246

Cambridge City Council Ward 2 Elect 1

Kevin D. Banzhaf 133

Daniel Ebers 30

Special Issue 1 Sales Tax:

Yes 286

No 226

Special Issue 2 Economic development:

Yes 329

No 179

Special Issue 3 Sales Tax

Yes 282

No 222

Local races helped boost voter turnout, with all area counties besting statewide turnout of 73% of eligible voters. Rates included Chase 79%, Dundy 80%, Frontier 76%, Furnas 74%, Hayes 77%, Hitchcock 77% and Red Willow 76%.

Check out unofficial county-by-county results here.

Statewide election results are available here.

Other local results for statewide issues:

Amendment 1 - Remove Slavery Exception

Amendment 2 - Extend TIF Repayment Period.

Initiative 429 - Allow Racetrack Gaming.

Initiative 430 - Enact Racetrack Gaming Law.

Initiative 431 - Enact 20% Tax on Gaming.

Initiative 428 - Cap Payday Loan Rate.