Published: April 05, 2009 10:48 pm         

Garfield County residents hit the polls Tuesday

Residents in seven Garfield County communities will head to the polls to decide several races Tuesday.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In Enid, residents in Ward 4 will decide who will represent them on the Enid city commission. Ward 4 is in the northeast part of town.

Incumbent Loyd Kaufman is facing a challenge from Andrew “Drew” Ritchie. Ritchie was the top vote-getter in a Feb. 10 election among three candidates but did not gain the majority required to avoid Tuesday’s runoff.

Residents in Waukomis are being asked to approve a perpetual one cent sales tax to raise money for emergency services, including police and fire.

In Covington, residents also are being asked to approve a one cent sales tax, which would be effective from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2014, to pay for police protection.

Cimarron Public Schools patrons will vote on a $1.16 million bond issue with the bulk of the money to build a junior high wing onto the school. The structure also would serve as a storm shelter for the school and the Lahoma community.

Other projects for the bond money are a concession stand for the softball field, new windows to increase energy efficiency, a new security system, an intercom system, computer upgrades, library renovations, a new phone system, playground equipment and an agriculture farm.

In North Enid, Jack Rich, Linda Wates, Dean Nickel, Lee Zander and Brenda Jo Huddleston are competing for a spot on the town board of trustees.

In Lahoma, 10 candidates are vying for three seats on the town board of trustees.

Jessica D. Huggins, Roland E. Best II, Jennifer Poage, Debra R. Crane, Charles David Boyd and Gary Naugle Jr. are running for two four-year terms.

Best has said he is withdrawing from the race for personal reasons. However, he missed the period to withdraw and his name will remain on the ballot.

On the ballot for an unexpired term are Milton C. David, Timothy M. Moore, Melvin Lee Bacher and Theresa Sharp.

In Garber, Mary Knight and Gerald Carson are running to fill the Ward 1 unexpired term.

In Waukomis, George Milacek and John R. Heasley are contesting the Office 4 town board of trustees seat.

In Pond Creek-Hunter Public Schools, Mary K. Coats and Jeff Scott are running for the Office 4 seat.