Hutcheson wins South Putnam in landslide

In a landslide election Tuesday night, Hollie Hutcheson won the Marion Township seat for the South Putnam School Board. Hutcheson took every precinct by an average of 86 votes to gain a total of 1,585 (59.7 percent) votes over incumbent Steve Cash’s 1,072 (40.4 percent).

“The whole experience has been exciting,” Hutcheson said. “This is my first time running for an office of any sort.”

She was inspired to run for the seat after a friend asked if she’d be interested. After attending a school board association meeting, she decided to run.

When asked about her goals, Hutcheson said, “Fiscal responsibility and making sure that our money is spent wisely. I think it’s going to be a good experience.”

Hutcheson will officially take her seat after Jan. 1.

Cash, who had held the position for 23.5 years, said, “I wish she had come to some board meetings to have an idea of what she’s getting herself into. I wish her luck.”

Incumbents Anthony Heavin and Angela Nichols went unopposed in their candidacy to receive 2,464 and 2,439 votes, respectively, and will also officially re-take their seats after Jan. 1.