Averill stays on school board

The Bigfork School District 38 board looks just like it did last month, with Maureen Averill and Denny Sabo still on it.

Sabo was unopposed for his seat representing the Swan River Elementary district for the high school, but Averill was challenged by local elevator technician Rodney Driver.

The final tally in last Tuesday's election was 284 votes for Averill to Driver's 187.

"I'm very grateful for the voters," Averill said. "I'm looking forward to serving another three year term."

Averill is a familiar face on the school board, having served from 1993 until 1999, and continuously since 2003.

In the other local election last week, Ivan Barnes and Tracy Norred were elected to the Bigfork Fire Department Board of Trustees.

Norred led at the polls with 489 votes. Barnes garnered 423 for the second seat, beating out Tony Rojo, who received 414 votes.

Zack Anderson, whose seat was up for election, was ineligible, even as a write-in candidate, because he had not filed the proper paperwork with the elections office.

The other seat up for grabs was vacated by Wayne Loeffler, who was recently named the department's new chief, making him ineligible to sit on the board.

"I am humbled by the confidence of the community, Barnes said. "I hope I'll be worthy of its trust in the ongoing effort of continuing the tradition of excellence in the Bigfork community and emergency services."

Norred was also excited to get her term under way.

"I'm really excited to work with the fellow trustees on the upcoming progress of the fire department," she said.

Norred and Barnes' first meeting as new trustees will take place on June 17.