Nearly Finalized Election Results Amidst Hazmat Scare

With most of the votes counted, the winners are now clear. Both Deer Park City Council and the School Board will have some new members. Election results were slightly delayed due to evacuations after receiving an envelope containing a white powder.

Early in the day after the election, an envelope was found bearing an unknown white powder. The facility was quickly secured and evacuated for most of the day. The Spokane Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team and the Spokane Police Department were dispatched to the scene. According to the Spokane Police Department, “It was tested for harmful substances including chemical/biological agents, explosive compounds, and controlled substances. Initial tests of the powder were negative for agents and explosives, and positive for fentanyl.” There are reports of similar instances at election offices across several states. The FBI is leading the investigation.

 Now, with only 25 ballots left to count, the results of the General Election will remain the same. The final votes should be tabulated on November 27th. 

City Council Results
Long term incumbent councilmember Cragun was defeated with a wide margin by Fred Senn for Position #2. The race for Position #2 had the most voters weigh in, of the three contests, with 1,245 ballots cast. 

In an uncontested race for Position #4, Billy Costello has secured his position on the council. 

The closest race was between two city council newcomers, Diane Pfaeffle and Scott Campbell. With only 74 votes separating them, Pfaeffle has just won Position #5. 

Deer Park School District Board of Directors Results
Craig Phillips, previously appointed to fill a vacant spot on the board, has won the election over Gina Langbehn for District #1. 

Newcomer Gerry Ashby defeated incumbent Carri Breckner for the District #4 position. 

The at-large contest was also the closest, with more votes than the other school board positions. After 2,511 votes were counted, only 173 separated the two candidates. Incumbent Eric Keller maintained his position and edged out Richard Price.

Spokane County Fire District #4
Incumbent Jack Hensley just narrowly beat his opponent, Chris Aronson, with only 3.11% of the vote separating the two candidates. Because of the wide area covered by District #4, over 11 thousand votes were cast in this contest.

Deer Park City Council

Council Position No. 2

Name Votes Percentage
Helen (Dee) Cragun 360 27.91 %
Fred Senn 885 68.6 %

Council Position No. 4

Name Votes Percentage
Billy Costello 1115 91.39 %

Council Position No. 5

Name Votes Percentage
Scott Campbell 582 45.54 %
Diane Pfaeffle 656 51.33 %

Deer Park School District Board of Directors

Director Dist No. 1

Name Votes Percentage
Gina Langbehn 948 37.89 %
Craig Phillips 1508 60.27 %

Director Dist No. 4

Name Votes Percentage
Gerry Ashby 1322 52.82 %
Carri Breckner 1133 45.27 %

Director Dist No. 5

Name Votes Percentage
Richard Price 1169 45.74 %
Eric Keller 1342 52.5 %

Spokane County

Fire District #4 Commissioners Position #3

Name Votes Percentage
Jack D Hensley 5683 50.78 %
Chris Aronson 5335 47.67 %

Sources:

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Ronald R Baird

Ronald Ray Baird was born September 9, 1946 to Thomas and Laverne (Brown) Baird in Newton, KS. He passed away January 22, 2025 at his beloved home on the Pend Oreille River, near Usk, WA. Ron grew up in a rough and tumble home, the 4th of 5 brothers, Dick, Steve, Herb, Ron, and Mike. Ron attended and graduated from Remington High School in 1965. While there, he lettered in football (#60) and was selected as an all-league lineman.

Read More »

Gallery: Miss Deer Park 2025 Elegance & Achievement

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

A Chicken & Egg Problem

Due to a nationwide egg shortage, Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed by President Trump, suggested on Fox News that one solution could be for some families to raise backyard chickens. This marks the second major egg shortage in the past five years. The first, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was driven by hoarding and delivery disruptions, while the current shortage is primarily due to Bird Flu and industrial farming practice

Read More »

Subscribe to our emails

Use the form below to sign up to receive news via email at no cost to you.

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.