KNS Radio has been following the story out of Rossville concerning the school board race for three seats. On election night it was determined that incumbent Joe Hufford won his seat in Clay Township, and challenger Brent Michael won the seat in Owen Township. However, The race was a tie for Ross 1 seat, which is for the Town of Rossville.
After provisional votes were counted, it was determined that incumbent Jentry Pendleton won by three votes.
KNS Radio was also the first to report about the alleged violations of the three incumbents during the race. Incumbents Hufford, Pendleton, and Julia Mink testified before the election board that they did have signs with their names on them, with no disclaimer attached. Hufford stated he did not believe it needed a disclaimer, as he paid for it himself. However, the election rules state that when a sign is paid for by the candidate, the sign should include the disclaimer of “Paid for by Doe for State Senate Committee”. Pendleton and Mink stated they knew of the rule for a disclaimer but did not tell Hufford to fix the sign. Hufford, who runs the school board Facebook page, also changed the page from being one for general information to one that campaigned for the sitting members.
The election board found the three to be in violation of election rules, designed to keep all elections free and fair. The three have been ordered to pay a fine, and this will now be passed to the Clinton County Prosecutor for a review of further charges. State election guidelines state the penalty is a Class A Misdemeanor, which carries the potential of an additional $5000 fine and/or one year in jail.