Preliminary results show success for bond projects
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – Voters in Milton-Freewater appear willing to pay for a new police station, moving officers out of the basement after decades. The new station would be built behind city hall and will cost about $7.7 million. The unofficial tally is 382 in favor and 224 opposed.
Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 is winning 1,701 to 1,295 on its request for a bond that would cover capital costs and improvements throughout the district. It includes new engine exhaust systems, new vehicles, a new alert system, and renovating existing facilities.
There were several contested elections for school boards.
Preliminary results show Kent Madison with 808 votes to Carrie Sampson Samuels’ 783 for Position 8 on the Blue Mountain Community College Board of Directors. Kim Puzey has 998 votes to 588 for Kipp Barron for Position 4.
In Pendleton, all three school board seats were up for grabs in contested elections. Position 1 shows Beth Harrison with 1,766 votes to Rodney Thompson’s 526. Position 4 has Preston Eagleheart with 1,102 to 717 by Joey Grosjacques and 380 for Chris Garrigues. Position 7 puts Patrick Gregg with 1,552 votes over Briana Spencer with 938.
There were three seats being challenged in Hermiston as well. Dain Gardner has 1,635 to Lili Gomez with 1,030 for Position 3. Position 4 gives Sally Anderson Hansell 1,705 votes to 984 for Brent Pitney. Karen Sherman with 1,586 votes appears to be the winner over Caitlin Melhorne with 917.for Position 6.
In Athena Weston Zone 1, Kristin Williams has 264 to 159 by Chantel Fuller. In Zone 5, Natalie Lambert has 256 with 151 for Nicole McLouth.
Position 5 for the Helix School District has Friday Bracher (98) leading Robert Park (36). Pilot Rock Position 7 sees Stacy Hansen with 180 votes to 74 for John Beloit.
