Latest News – June 25

Fenske, Hanson to Face-Off in Nov. Sheriff Election

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln

If wise Abe Lincoln is correct, then Lake County voters came locked and loaded, in person and by mail-in ballot for yesterday’s Lake County Primary Election. 

Lake County Sheriff Rod Fenske (back) awaits Primary Election results with (front: left to right) wife Eva Fenske, Nicole Lassman (Undersheriff Fernando Mendoza’s wife) and Fenske’s daughter, Karen Fenske Lewis. Fenske (D) won the vote of his party over fellow Democrat Tony Medina and will now take on Republican Candidate Dan Hanson in the November General Election. Photo: Leadville Today.

Voter turnout was solid for Round One to determine local offices,  demonstrating the importance of showing up and having your voice heard, especially when it came to the race for Sheriff. For the Lake County Democrats it was incumbent Lake County Sheriff Rod Fenske who came out on top with a total 384 votes compared to challenger Tony Medina’s 334 votes.

Lake County Election Judges stay focused on getting the vote tallied at the Lake County Courthouse.

On the other side of the ticket Leadville Police Officer and Republican Dan Hanson garnered the most votes among his party at 171, edging out fellow Officer Saige Bertolas who tallied 132 votes. Fenske and Hanson will now face off for the county’s top law enforcement position in November’s General Election.

The other contested local race saw incumbent Lake County Commissioner Dolores Semsack tally solid confidence among voters, securing over 70% of the vote with 515 votes, compared to Democratic challenger Gloria Gonzales with 213 votes. Semsack will run against sole Republican challenger Charlie O’Leary on Nov. 4.

To see the full report of Lake County Primary Election provided by the Lake County Clerk & Recorder, CLICK HERE.

Thanks to all the Lake County Election Judges, including Wes Duran (left) and Don Ferrie (right) stationed at the voting booths during yesterday’s Primary Election.