Though voting in the county was light, mainly due to COVID-19, a majority of those who cast a ballot did so Tuesday in favor of the 911 Continuation Sales Tax, which was approved by a 642-200 margin.

Due to the coronavirus, voters were strongly encouraged to cast an absentee ballot, and 44 people use that method to vote.

A contested race ended with Linn R-2 school board incumbent Naomi Klouzek garnering 309 votes to edge challenger Dr. Shawn Strong by two votes, as incumbent Lori Greer secured 296 votes, and Sam Niederhelm had 258.

At Fatima R-3, incumbents Keith Huhn (281) and Doug Luebbering (276) led polling, while challenger Andrew Samson was third with 239, and Wayne Baumhoer earned 222 votes.

Chamois R-1 school board incumbents Angela Hagenhoff and Steve Cramer were elected without opposition, but a third member will need to be appointed. Results from the Chamois precinct were not available at press time, but each candidate received 24 votes from the remaining polling places.

In the race for Belle mayor, Josh Seaver led the way among Osage County voters with 19 votes, followed by Steven F. Vogt (15),  Kayla Bray (10) and Terry Connors (6).

An ordinance authorizing the city of Meta to forgo an election if the number of candidates equals the number of positions to be decided passed by a 12-4 margin.

Westphalia voters approved an increase to the Special Road District’s tax levy to $0.1800 per $100 assessed valuation for a four-year period, 19-11.

UNCONTESTED RACES

Belle alderman: Jeannette Struemph (42)

Argyle trustees: Kym Brunnert (xx) and Ronnie Brunnert (xx)

Linn alderman, Ward I: Steven Boeckmann (46)

Linn alderman, Ward II: Mike Montgomery (71)

Meta alderman: Otto Wankum (16) and Steven Sherrell (15)

A closer look at the election will appear next week