Fort Gay residents elects new overseers

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

The town of Fort Gay, WV, has been under an interim mayor since former mayor Joetta Hatfield fell under scrutiny last year and was accused of using town money to pay her personal bills on multiple occasions and was charged with several financial crimes such as fraudulent schemes, embezzlement, falsifying accounts, money laundering and conspiracy.

Ralph “Junebug” Dent was voted by the council in December, to finish the term.

Last Tuesday, June 10, Bob Sword overcame Dent with a total of 63 votes beating Dent who received 30 votes and Tim Kitts, who was also in the mayoral race and came in with 19 votes.

In other town races, former council member Wade T. Cyrus, who was running unopposed as town recorder received 86 votes.

Cyrus took on the position as interim town recorder in December when Sheila Bowens, along with Hatfield was also, criminally charged.

Larry Britt, also unopposed will remain municipal judge.

The town council top vote-getters were Greg Cavins (79), Jamie Frasher (79), Wilts Salmons (74), Payton Rowe (64) and Bobby Daniels (51).