Bureau County voters re-elect their sheriff

John Thompson can look forward to another term as Bureau County Sheriff. The incumbent Democrat fought off a challenge by William Rosenow in Tuesday’s election. Thompson garnered 6818 votes, or 54 percent, to Rosenow’s 5791 votes, or 46 percent. For the two county board spots up for grabs, incumbent Rick Wilkin lost his seat to GOP challenger Robert Albrecht, who had 69 percent of the vote. The other contested seat went to Daniel Rabe who topped D. Bruce Gibson with 63 percent. Voters approved making the office of coroner an elected position, with 70 percent voting Yes. But voters rejected a referendum asking them to authorize the county board to issue up to $15 million in bonds to build a new jail. An overwhelming 81 percent voted against the idea. A Tiskilwa Library proposition was rejected, with 65 percent voting No. Voter turnout in Bureau County was 54 percent.