Evans succeeds father as Van Buren County sheriff
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Evans won the Democratic Primary last night in Van Buren County meaning he is the new sheriff since there are no Republicans or independent candidates running in August.
Evans is the current chief deputy and son of Sheriff Donnie Evans, who is finishing his fifth, four-year term.
?People have seemed to support me from the start,? said Evans moments after learning he had won. ?I?m going to keep the people I have on staff and do the best job I can. I have a good crew and we?re all used to working together.?
Evans has served as chief deputy the past four years and says that has given him the experience he needs to run the seven-man department.
Evans defeated Grayson Beasley, who works at Taft Youth Center in Pikeville, and Phillip Brymer, who is a current McMinnville patrolman.
Also decided last night was the position of Van Buren County Trustee since there are no more candidates running in August. Tammie Clendenon captured a 2-to-1 victory in that race over Bobbie Evans.
While not decided last night, the position of Van Buren County Mayor also carries with it a great deal of intrigue. Former county mayor Kelly Dishman emerged from last night?s three-person Democratic primary to face two independents this August.
One of those independent candidates is incumbent Carolyn Houston, who has endured her share of well-documented troubles. Another independent candidate is Leon Deweese, the current chair of the Van Buren County Commission.
In the race for road superintendent, Wendell Wheeler captured a convincing victory over Charlie Dunlap to advance to the August general election.
In a race that has significance for both Warren and Van Buren counties, Lisa Zavogiannis emerged victorious atop the mountain in the fight for district attorney. Zavogiannis defeated Robert Newman by 316 votes in Spencer to earn victories in both counties.
Zavogiannis, who was tireless on the campaign trail, advances to face incumbent Dale Potter, who is also known for his hard campaign work.