Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Ken Beatty
A school board seat that no one originally wanted finally has been filled.
Ken Beatty of Williston was the winner of the Nov. 22 runoff for the District 2 seat on the Barnwell County Consolidated School District board. Of the 24 votes, Beatty received 15 votes (62.5 percent) while Eric Johnson received 9 (37.5 percent).
“Thank you to everyone that came out and supported me with your vote,” said Beatty.
The runoff was needed after no one filed for the seat on the Nov. 8 ballot. Only 18 write-in votes were cast on Nov. 8 with Beatty and Johnson having the most at two votes each. A runoff was needed since both agreed to serve.
“It was a long day for 24 votes,” said Naomi DeFrenn of how five precincts at four polling places had to be opened from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 22 for the runoff. Nobody voted at the Snelling or Barnwell precincts, but there were votes in Williston and Elko.
“I am looking forward to getting to work helping lead this district to the brightest future possible. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We have a very challenging road ahead but one that we will take on with our students’ interests in the forefront,” said Beatty.
Once he’s sworn in, he will join the other six board members who took office after the Nov. 8 election.
