TOM BOYER TO BE NEXT VC SHERIFF

In an amazing landslide write-in victory carrying nearly 60 percent of the total vote, Tom Boyer became Valley County's next sheriff. Total results were write-in 2,270 to Joe Horn's 1,459 with Boyer walking away with a total of 2,243 votes. Unknown discrepancies, which may have been misspellings or write-in votes for other non-registered candidates, affected the total number of eligible votes for Boyer.

Write-in victories are rare and victories in Valley County over 700 votes are even more rare. In 2014, Glen Meier defeated Horn for the sheriff post with a vote total of 1,969 to 1,379, a spread of 590 votes. In 2010, Horn also lost to Meier with 35 percent of the vote. In both elections, Meier and Horn were both on the ballot.

Early outlook for this election was similar to past races involving Horn until Luke Strommen dropped out of the race and removed his name from the ballot pending an investigation into misconduct allegations, which resulted in an indictment last month. While Strommen was on administrative leave and before he had withdrawn from the race, Boyer had decided to enter the running as a write-in candidate for sheriff to fill his percieved void of a viable sheriff candidate at the time.

Boyer has only been a deputy for two years but brought experience in business, nursing and management to the table that resonated with voters. He also lead a strong campaign going door to door and meeting voters face to face often. Boyer's uphill challenge of educating voters on his policies and how to spell his name must have worked in the county.

Boyer said in a statement: "I am humbled by the support and votes from the people of Valley County. Thank you. The strong voter turnout is a testament to our interest and concern for the future of the community."