Mast wins landslide election for sheriff.

Craig Mast

#OceanaCountyNews #OceanaCountyElection2016

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

HART — Craig Mast won a landslide election for Oceana County Sheriff in the Aug. 2 primary, beating out co-workers Undersheriff Tim Priese and Deputy Roy Strait.

Mast, who is currently a lieutenant at the sheriff’s office, will take over as sheriff Jan. 1, replacing current Sheriff Robert Farber who did not seek re-election in preparation for retirement.

Mast won 17 out of 18 precincts, with Strait winning only Claybanks Township.

Mast, who named Deputy Ryan Schiller as his undersheriff at the beginning of the campaign, tallied 3,161 total votes. Priese totaled 1,077, and Strait gained 833. All three ran as Republicans.

“I am very honored with all the support county-wide for those who came out and supported me,” said Mast. “This race has been between three men who work together at the sheriff’s office, and all came in with very good intentions. I have a lot of respect for both of them. I’m grateful that they pushed me. There was never any mud-slinging. It’s been very positive. I want to thank all the people who supported me. I’m touched by all the support and will work hard to serve the community.”

Michelle Martin won the six-way Republican race for county drain commissioner with 1,634 total votes. Lori Green gained 1,165; Jerry Kroll 1,111; Chris Crosby, 515; Anthony Collins, 293; Geoffrey Gowin, 100.

Winning the Republican race for county treasurer was Mary Lou Phillips with 2,158 total votes. Current treasurer Sheila Gowell did not seek re-election. Gail McDonald Schulte totaled 1,101 votes, followed by Aleksy Walter Urick with 776; and Paul Hodges with 745.

The Shelby Public Schools bond proposal failed 924-721.

The Oceana County Department of Veterans’ Affairs millage passed 4,075-1,211. The Oceana EMS proposal won 3,818-1,465, and the Oceana County Council on Aging proposal won 3,188-2,002.

Final results were delayed due to the Shelby Township precinct 2 providing totals at 1 a.m. Wednesday. The delay was caused by a power outage in New Era due to a downed line Tuesday afternoon. The outage affected several homes and businesses, including the voting site inside the New Era Reformed Church.