Staff Report

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PICKENS COUNTY - Pickens County voiced their confidence in several incumbents Tuesday night, selecting them to return for new terms.

Sheriff C. David Stone will add another term to his nearly four decades of service as Pickens County Sheriff. Stone defeated Democratic challenger Lt. Robert Crooks by more than 18,000 votes, at 31,255 to 12,831.

Pickens County Sheriff C. David Stone told a crowd of his supporters gathered at the county's country club Tuesday night that he was grateful for everyone placing their trust in him for another four years.

"We came through this and I am grateful for your support," he said. "I am grateful for the men and women at the Sheriff's Office, for their true blue support.

"They show up to work every day to serve the citizens of Pickens County," he said.

Stone said the excellent relationship between his agency and the other law enforcement organizations in the county would continue.

"We all have a team member relationship," he said. "And that's what it is all about, and I thank everyone working in the other law enforcement agencies."

To his second in command, Stone said that it has been reported that should he not win the election, Assistant Sheriff Tim Morgan would be replaced in that capacity.

"I am here tonight to say, Tim, you have a job," Stone said.

Stone said he is pleased with the election results.

"I know that we can't get all of the votes," he said. "But we got our share and then some, and I appreciate everyone who turned out to vote."

After taking a few days to rest, Stone said he would return to the office he has held for over 40 years.

"I am going to settle down and take a few days to rest," he said "But I feel great that we got the vote, and I am proud of each person working at the Sheriff's Office.

Trustee Alex Saitta won a second term to the Pickens County School Board Tuesday night, defeating Selena Brinson for the Pickens seat with a final tally of 4,783 votes for Saitta versus 2,224 votes for Brinson.

"This was my second competitive race," Saitta said. "I like to campaign, because you talk with those who you'll work for -- the people. What I learned in my travels the past 13 weeks will make me a better representative of the people of the Pickens area.

Former NFL Coach Sam Wyche brought home another victory, defeating Democratic challenger Wesley Burbage for the Pickens seat on Pickens County Council.

Residents cast 6,478 votes for Wyche and 1,639 votes for Burbage.

Wyche defeated incumbent Ben Trotter in the Republican primary in June.

Rep. B.R. Skelton returns to the State House for another term representing District 3. Skelton defeated Democratic opponent Jason Gale by 2, 810 votes.

State Sen. Larry Martin will return for another term representing District 2. Martin faced opposition on the ballot and a write-in campaign by Junius Smith failed to unseat him.

For more results, check www.pickenssentinel.com Wednesday.