5/18/2022 8:48:00 AM Sheriff Says Election Win Wasn't About Him
Wayne Howard Reporter
Lincoln County Sheriff Bill Beam got a resounding victory in the Republican Primary on Tuesday (May 17th) but he says the election wasn't about him: "It was about my people." Beam told us, "they have supported me in my efforts, and I have supported them. We've got some of the best officers anywhere; they are dedicated to keeping the people of Lincoln County safe and they take the concept of 'serve and protect' very seriously. This win says that a majority of the people are award and appreciative of their work."
Beam got 6,838 votes (65.39% of the total) to 3,167 for Erin Long. Long, who is currently a Captain with the Bessemer City Police, previously served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in its eastern region (District C). Third place finisher Ronnie Messer got only 453 votes.
In the County Commission election, Bud Cesena got the most votes: 5,144. Jamie Lineberger was second with 4,938. The two will run unopposed in the November election. Milton Sigmon got 3,614 votes and finished third. Sigmon said Wednesday morning that he is disappointed to have lost in his bid for re-election, but is proud of what he and the other commissioners have accomplished during his time on the board. "We're about to open the new courthouse that if we had to start the project now would cost the county twice as much; we've purchased land for a new park in eastern Lincoln County, opened the new West Lincoln Branch Library, and have left the county in good shape financially." Sigmon said he will continue to work for improvements during his remaining time on the board until December.
In the Board of Education races, Keith Poston won the Democratic nomination for the At-Large seat currently held by Tony Jenkins. Jenkins easily won over Todd Wulfhorst; Poston's win over Joan Avery was much closer. Fred Jarrett won a close race with Kaila Clippard for the District 2 seat. He will run against Linda Wolfe in November. Jarrett is a former member of the School Board and served as its chair several years ago. Wolfe is a retired guidance counselor. Krista Heavner won the GOP Primary for the District 5 seat. She will run unopposed in the Fall.
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