While candidates for county offices vie for public attention and several local boards are canceling their elections due to a lack of interest, one burning question is on the minds of Donley County voters… who will be the king?
Twelve candidates have been volunteered to run for the exalted throne of King Turkey as part of the second annual Donley County Turkey Strut Festival to be held here April 19-21. Voting started last week at Duckwall’s, and controversy may already be brewing. Election officials say one unnamed candidate demanded – without success – that their jar be removed from the voting place.
As of Tuesday morning, Methodist preacher James Ivey Edwards was the early leader with $6 in his jar. Insurance salesman Bright Newhouse was in second place with $2.50, and college dean Joel Zehr was in third place with $1.58. On Zehr’s tail feathers was high school principal Larry Jeffers with $1.17.
Other candidates scratching the surface were retired café owner Mutt Graham with 52 cents, Howardwick Alderman Nancy Davis with 48 cents, and Hedley School Superintendent Bryan Hill with 23 cents.
Five candidates had yet to get off the roost. Returning candidates Mayor Tex Selvidge and Clarendon Alderman Michael Tibbets were both posting goose eggs this week as were car dealer Jim Blackerby and retired professor Zell SoRelle. Housing Authority maintenance supervisor Larry Hicks, a member of the presiding Royal Family and uncle to last year’s king, was also searching for support in the polling.
Voting continues at Duckwall’s variety store. Support your favorite turkey by putting money in their jar. The bird with the most money wins, and the proceeds will benefit the Donley County Tourism Council.
The Turkey King will be crowned at 5 p.m. April 20 as part of the grand finale of the celebration. More details of the scheduled events will be printed next week. For information about the Turkey Strut Festival, contact Dee Dee Autry at 874-3889
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