Wagner leading in bid to continue as Adams County sheriff

RITZVILLE — It's looking like there won't be a new sheriff in Adams County, at least not in the near future.

At the end of the first day of counting in the Nov. 8 general election, incumbent Dale J. Wagner of Othello was leading challenger Matthew Carlson of Ritzville.

In the early tally, Wagner had 1,091 votes (56.24%); Carlson received 832 votes (42.89%).

“I’m happy with the results, thus far," Wagner said. "I just want to get back to the business of the Sheriff’s Office.”

On election night, Carlson was working a shift for the Ritzville Police Department and declined to comment, citing elect...