.png)
SANDPOINT – The West Bonner County School District’s $4.64 million school levy was defeated in Tuesday’s Primary Election. With all 34 precincts in, the levy had 2,430 votes against and 2,050 votes in favor, or 54.24% to 45.76%, according to the Idaho Secretary of State’s website.
The district has been making plans on how to deal with the financial shortfall.
School board chairwoman Margaret Hall said the board simply has to move ahead.
“The voters have spoken at this time,” she said. “The board now has to move forward and work together with district staff, parents, students and the community to address these new challenges and find viable solutions.”
The board set a special meeting for Wednesday, May 29, at 5 p.m. at Priest River Junior High to discuss options.
In a high profile Republican primary race, Jim Woodward defeated incumbent Scott Herndon for District 1 state senator. Woodward garnered 6,336 votes to 5,752 votes for Herndon or 52.42% to 47.58%.
It was the second time the two have ran against each other. Herndon defeated Woodward in 2022.
Woodward said he appreciates the support.
“I appreciate the support of so many throughout the community in this primary election campaign,” he said. “I hope to garner your support in the November general election. For those I have yet to earn your trust, I look forward to more conversations as I work to dispel the misconceptions created during a contentious primary election.
“My goal is to serve and represent the community which requires listening to and understanding the thoughts, needs, and desires of all. I promise to do that and more.”
Incumbent Mark Sauter won the District 1 Seat A race. He received 5,906 votes or 50.21%. Jane Sauter (no relation) was in second place with 4,155 votes or 35.32% and Spencer Hutchings had 1,702 votes or 14.47%.
“I’m grateful to make it thru the primary and to represent our district,” Sauter said. “Hoping I can get thru the general election and serve for two more years.”
Sauter will face Democratic candidate Kathryn Lason, who defeated Bob Vickaryous 87372 for the Democratic nomination.
In the Republican contest for state representative District 1 Seat B, Cornel Rasor got 6,091 votes or 53.49%. Chuck Lowman for 5,297 or 46.51%.
In Bonner County Commission Republican races, Brian Domke is leading Brian Riley and James Burroughs in the District 1 race. Domke had 6,668 or 54.28% of the votes, Riley has 4,868 votes or 39.63% and Burroughs has 749 or 6.10%.
Meghan Yeats ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination, receiving 965 votes.
In the District 2 Republican race, Ron Korn has 6,356 votes or 48.81%. Incumbent Luke Omodt drew 5,023 votes or 38.57% and Dimitry Borisov garnered 1,643 votes or 12.62%.
In the Republican race for sheriff, Daryl Wheeler has 77.17% of the vote or 9,822 votes. Challenger Steven Bradshaw has 2,906 votes of 22.83%.
