Government

    In past years, contested elections for local elected offices have been rare. But it’s different this year and voters will have choices in at least four local races.

    One of those is the District 7 school board race where Kevin Willis is challenging Debbie Hoback, the incumbent. Hoback is seeking her third term on the board.
    “I haven’t lost the passion for it,” Hoback commented. “I love trying to make a difference.”

Bedford area Republicans nominated a slate of five candidates for local offices.

    They endorsed Sheriff Mike Brown for a fifth term as Bedford County’s sheriff. Brown, first elected in 1995, will have completed 20 years in that office at the end of his next term if his reelection bid is successful. Brown said earlier this year that he will step down at the end of his next term.

    City Council Members were briefed on an electrical new disconnect policy at a work session last week.

    According to City Manager Charles Kolakowski and City Treasurer Debbie Roberts, Bedford, for a number of years, has waited for electrical customers to get two months in arrears on their electric bills before cutting power. A new policy will accelerate this.

    In other action Tuesday Bedford City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request which will allow the former Runk and Pratt assisted living facility on East Main Street in Bedford to become an event venue and bed & breakfast.

    Council voted Tuesday to approve the zoning of the property at 812 E. Main Street to allow the use change. Runk and Pratt Health Care Enterprises Inc. will maintain ownership of the facility.