PREBLE COUNTY — Voters in Preble County made their voices heard on eight community-specific issues and one countywide issue during the primary election last Tuesday, March 19. They also selected the candidates they want to see on the November election ballot.

Both incumbent Preble County Commissioners Rachael Vonderhaar and Adam Craft won their respective races.

“I look forward to four more years,” Craft said on Wednesday following the election. “I’m ready to get back to work for Preble County. I’m really thankful for the people of Preble County and everything that we’ve done as a board.”

“I think the vote shows that the community is happy with the work that’s being done,” Vonderhaar added.

Vonderhaar defeated Kathy Clapp, 4,165-2,174, while Craft defeated Jane Marshall, 4,021-2,314.

Also seeking to appear on the November ballot for Judge of the Preble County Common Pleas Court were Jacob A. Kovach of New Paris and current Preble County Prosecutor Martin Votel of Eaton. Votel took the race, 4,411-1,841.

Other local government seats were uncontested, giving candidates a clear road to the November ballot and the seats.

Voters in Ohio’s 40th district will see two local names on the ballot for the State Representative’s seat: incumbent State Rep. Rodney Creech, Republican, of West Alexandria and Democrat Bobbie Arnold, also from West Alexandria.

Lewisburg voters turned down (173 against, 122 for) Issue 1, an additional 2 ½-mill tax for the benefit of the Village of Lewisburg for the “purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads,” and approved (157 yes, 129 no) Issue 2, which allows the Village of Lewisburg to facilitate electric aggregation for its residents.

Gratis voters approved (89 for, 66 against) Issue 3, a renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Marion Lawrence Library in Gratis and turned down (97 against, 57 for) Issue 4, an additional tax for the benefit of the Village of Gratis “for the purpose of providing for current operating expenses of the police department.”

Gasper Township voters turned down (406 against, 387 for) Issue 5, an additional tax for the benefit of Gasper Township “for the purpose of provision of emergency medical services.”

Jackson Township voters approved (193 for, 80 against) Issue 6, a renewal of a tax “for the purpose of fire protection and ambulance/emergency service.”

Countywide voters approved (3,819 for, 3,621 against) Issue 9, a renewal of a tax for the benefit of Preble County “for the purpose of provision of Children Services and programs, capital improvements, and care and placement of children by Job and Family Services.”

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.