BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

KERMIT, W.Va. — On Tuesday, voters in Kermit headed to the polls to elect five council members and a mayor. By 9:30 p.m., Kermit Town Hall had released the unofficial results.

Three incumbents defeated their challengers to secure their positions on the council for the next four-year term. One incumbent lost the election, and another did not seek reelection, resulting in two newcomers joining the council.

Incumbents Hawkie Preece, Tammy Preece Hodge and J.W. Endicott were reelected. Newcomers Doug Collins and Scottie Smith will also take seats on the council.

Preece and Collins each garnered 96 votes, Hodge received 84, Endicott 80 and Smith 74.

Incumbent Peggy Moore was defeated with 51 votes. Other challengers who lost the election included Denise Williamson with 25 votes, Tim Crum with 22 votes, Nick Spaulding with 16 votes and Etta Lea Kiser with 5 votes. Longtime Council Member Anna Mae Sartin Wellman did not run for reelection.

In the mayoral race, incumbent Mayor Charles Sparks won decisively with 99 votes against challenger Joseph Marcum, who received 1 vote. The mayor will also serve a four-year term.

The results will remain unofficial until canvassing is completed June 17 and results are certified June 19.

Recap

Mayor

Charles Sparks 99 votes

Joseph Marcum 1 vote

Council

Hawkie Preece 96 votes

Doug Collins 96 votes

Tammy Preece Hodge 84 votes

J.W. Endicott 80 votes

Scott Smith 74 votes

Peggy Moore 51 votes

Denise Williamson 25 votes

Tim Crum 22 votes

Nick Spaulding 16 votes

Etta Lea Kiser 5 votes