County officials are awaiting word from County Commissioner Jerry Ware regarding a potential recount, as the Fawn River Township resident fell short in his bid for re-election by just eight votes Tuesday.
In his attempt to serve what will be a new-look District 5 in January, Ware lost to Sturgis resident John Dobberteen, 395 to 387. Both are incumbents on the county board but their districts will be combined due to redrawing of the district’s boundaries that will go into effect in 2013.
The post is for two years.
The other contested race for county commission saw incumbent Rick Shaffer fend off political newcomer Barry Miller in another close contest.
Shaffer, a Fabius Township resident, will continue to serve on the board for his 17th and 18th years when his new term begins in January.
Miller, a Florence Township resident, finished with 805 votes, falling 34 tallies short of Shaffer’s total.