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WALKER - Chief Deputy Tom Burch will become the new Cass County sheriff and Mayor Jim Sabas will continue as Pine River mayor following recounts in those races Wednesday.

Auditor-Treasurer Sharon Anderson announced in a news release the recount confirmed election margins to be the same as last Tuesday's initial election results. Those were certified in canvassing boards for the county Monday and the city Tuesday night.

The sheriff's recount results will be subject to a second county canvassing board, expected to convene early next week and mayor's race at another city canvassing board, at as yet an unannounced date.

Burch won by 47 votes over his opponent, Walker Police Chief Wayne Tennis. In the recount, one error was found in each of two precincts, which offset each other, Anderson said. The totals were 6,203 votes for Burch and 6,156 votes for Tennis.

The recount totals for Pine River mayor continued at 128 for Sabas and 121 for Elmay Tulenchik.

The term of office for most Minnesota officials begins the first Monday in January, according to Anderson.

[[In-content Ad]]When contacted by phone Wednesday night, Burch said, "I'm excited about being elected. I'm looking forward to getting back to work."

Of the election system and recount process, he said, "It worked the way it should be expected to work."

Burch described Wednesday as a stressful day for him. He said the election process was very humbling and that he appreciated the voters' support.

"It will be an adventure," he said of moving up from chief deputy to sheriff.

Tennis could not be reached for comment.

Second publication rights after Brainerd Dispatch.

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