Hatcher Wins Final School Board Spot Over Abbott by the Flip of a Coin

The Seward County Commission met Friday morning at the Seward County Administration offices to certify Tuesday’s election. The major change after the canvassing of votes was the third and final spot for the USD No. 480 School Board. Before canvassing incumbent Cliff Abbott held a one vote lead over Nick Hatcher. After canvassing Abbott and Hatcher were tied at 1169. The law on breaking the tie is for the County Commission to decide a form or way to break it such as flipping a coin, drawing a name out of a hat, etc. The County Commission voted 5-0 to break the tie by the flip of a coin. Abbott was already in attendance and Hatcher was called on the phone as he was in Arkansas and put on speakerphone. Both candidates then agreed to the coin flip deciding the winner. Hatcher told Abbott he could call the flip and Abbott called heads. Chairperson of the County Commission Joyce Hibler flipped the coin and it was a tails giving Hatcher the victory. Hatcher will join Reid Petty and Cheryl Louderback on the USD No. 480 School Board. Petty and Hatcher are newcomers, while Louderback is currently on the board and will now serve her fifth term beginning in July.