OHIO COUNTY: Croft wins Republican nod for sheriff; two to join Wheeling Council

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. — ELECTION RESULTS

Nelson Croft is one step closer to becoming Ohio County Sheriff.

In Tuesday's primary election, Croft defeated Charlie Murphy claiming the Republican nomination. He will face Democrat Howard (John) Haglock in the November general election. Haglock ran unopposed Tuesday.

Croft, who served as a deputy in the county for 22 years, garnered nearly 55% of the vote

“I’d like to thank the voters that supported me,” Croft said after the final results were released. “This was a goal I set for myself when I got hired in 1990. I hope to continue working hard for the people of Ohio County.”

Croft achieved the rank of major before moving on in 2022 to be the animal shelter manager for Ohio County.

His plans as sheriff are to combat a different appearance of human trafficking and to curb the flow of drugs in the area, especially fentanyl.

Meanwhile, four incumbents will be joined by two new faces on Wheeling City Council in July.

Tony Assaro won the 1st Ward seat in Wheeling, while Jerome Henry will represent the 3rd Ward. They replace Chad Thalman and Rosemary Ketchum, respectively. Thalman and Ketchum were both in the running for Wheeling mayor on Tuesday.

Assaro gained 46% of the vote, while Henry garnered 32% of the vote in a crowded field.

Incumbents Ben Seidler (2nd Ward), Jerry Sklavounakis (4th Ward), Ty Thorngate (5th Ward) and Dave Palmer (6th Ward) will retain their seats.

There will also be two new faces on the Ohio County Board of Education.

Bernie Albertini and Anne Hercules were the top vote getters in a group of three that were running.

A pair of levies were approved by county voters.

A measure funding Ohio County Schools passed with nearly 75% of the vote. The measure will provide $24 million each year for the next 4 years, supporting school safety, transportation, extra curriculars, classes, and so much more.

The levy will not change or raise taxes.

Another levy will provide funding to the Ohio County Public Library. It passed with nearly 76% of the vote.

Library Director Amy Kastigar previously told NEWS9 that, if passed, the levy will work in conjunction with Ohio County Schools to restore funding lost in 2021. Kastigar said the levy will not affect taxpayers as it costs nothing extra.

The Ohio Valley Regional Transportation Authority's renewal levy passed with nearly 81% of voters saying Yes.

"It's not a tax increase,” OVRTA Executive Director Lisa Weishar previously told NEWS9. “We have been passing our levy since 1976 in this area, so it's not an additional money standing one, it is just to continue our service."

OVRTA is also partially federal- and state-funded, but it mostly relies on this levy for operations. And without local dollars, they can't match federal grants.

The levy brings in nearly $2 million a year. Here’s the yearly breakdown: Wheeling $1.5 million; Bethlehem $150,000; Benwood $130,000; McMechen at $160,000.