It was a race to the finish for the County of St. Paul municipal election on Oct. 21. But after the final count came in, it was incumbent Steve Upham who took back the position of reeve.
At one point, as polling stations were calling in their numbers, only five votes separated candidates Ray Danyluk and Upham, with Danyluk leading the way. Then, with just two polling stations left, Upham took the lead and held on.
The final count for Reeve at Large was Upham at 1,104 votes; Danyluk at 1,062; and Ben Dyck at 209.
In Division 4, incumbent Maxine Fodness kept her seat on council with a total of 343 votes. Candidate Dave Neary had 112 votes.
In Division 5, incumbent Frank Sloan also kept his seat with 344 votes. Candidate Donna Hanson finished with 228 votes.
In by acclamation were: Division 1 Coun. Glen Ockerman; Division 2 Coun. Dwight Dach, Division 3 Coun. Cliff Martin, and Division 6 Coun. Laurent Amyotte.
On Oct. 23, County of St. Paul CAO Sheila Kitz confirmed that a recount of all the ballots from Monday's election was taking place. One polling station's paperwork was improperly completed and the county's returning officer for the election decided to do a recount. Official results will be made available Friday.