Funke elected Mineral County Sheriff

Republican Ryan Funke was elected Mineral County sheriff in the Nov. 8 general election.

Funke earned 1,219 votes (57%), to defeat independent candidate Gretchen Webb. Funk, 43, currently works as deputy sheriff in the county. He lives in St. Regis.

“I believe the election went good, but it shows that there is work to be done,” Funke said following his victory. “My top priority is re-instilling the confidence of the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office with the community. Another priority is to work on policies and procedures as these are the foundation of our agency.”

Mineral County voters also OK’d a local tax on recreational and medical marijuana sales, while Republicans won a number of uncontested county positions.

Deb Jackson, voted in as county attorney, thanked voters for their confidence and support.

“The County Attorney’s Office is interested in detailing its policies and procedures in order to strengthen the confidence and integrity in our justice system and sheriff’s department, support the citizens, and seek and obtain justice so it is swift, fair, and equitable to the best of our ability,” Jackson said. “Our citizens require a system that works for them, ensures safety, security and protection.”

Merry Mueller was elected treasurer and superintendent of schools.

“First, I want to say it is a pleasure working with and for Mary Yarnall for many years in the positions I have held,” Mueller said. “I will miss her immensely but wish her the best in retirement. I am so thankful for the support I have received from our community! My goal is for all local, county, state and federal entities to work together to make Mineral County the best place to live and the safest place for our children to grow up. I’m proud of our community!”

Roman Zylawy, elected county commissioner for the east end, said he plans to leverage his position as president of Montana Association of County Commissions.

“I will be traveling to Washington D.C. in January and will advocate for Mineral County so federal officials better understand our issues here,” Zylawy said.

Mineral County election turnout was 58%, slightly below Montana’s overall turnout rate.

Clerk and Recorder Kelann McLees said the county election went smoothly.

“I could not conduct these elections without the superb help of my election staff, polling place workers and counting judges, they are truly appreciated,” McLees said.

Mineral County results

US Representative 1st Congressional District

JOHN LAMB 146

MONICA TRANEL 579

RYAN K ZINKE 1456

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE 1

BILL D'ALTON 476

JIM RICE 1331

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE 2

JAMES BROWN 1204

INGRID GUSTAFSON 846

JASON MARKS OF DISTRICT 4, DEPT 4

Yes 1480

No 381

SD14

Denley Loge (R) 1,854

COUNTY COMMISSIONER EAST END DISTRICT

Roman Zylawy (R) 1,707

COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER/ASSESSOR

Kelann Mclees (R) 1,877

COUNTY SHERIFF/CORONER/PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

Ryan Funke (R) 1,219

Gretchen Webb (I) 925

COUNTY ATTORNEY

Debra Jackson (R) 1,598

COUNTY TREASURER/ SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Merry Mueller (R) 1,784

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Kim Taron 1,718

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 48

Yes 1,727

No 363

LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 131

For 1,160

Against 975

MARIJUANA TAX MEDICAL

For 1,160

Against 975

MARIJUANA TAX NON-MEDICAL

For 1,555

Against 594