For the second time in five years, a countywide wet-dry election failed to pass Tuesday.

A total of 23 votes decided the election, with the ‘no’ vote carrying every precinct except South Owen, Monterey, and Gratz, as well as absentees.

Dr. Joy Arnold-Morse, a vocal ‘no’ supporter, said she was thankful the children of Owen County would not be exposed to countywide alcohol sales.

Clint Swigert, another vocal ‘no’ supporter, declined to comment.

Former Owen County Judge-Executive Carolyn Keith said the rural voters of the county are to credit for the results.

“I think most of the support from the ‘no’ vote came from the rural parts of Owen County, and I think it would behoove all leaders of the county to recognize the rural part of Owen County a little more than they have been in the past,” she said.

Holly Bowling, the spokesperson for Give Owen County A Chance, said the group would remain committed to working to restore jobs and business opportunities to the county.

“We congratulate our opponents on their victory,” Bowling said. “We want to thank all those who supported our effort and worked hard to move Owen County into the mainstream of Kentucky communities. While we are disappointed in the outcome, our faith in our system of government remains strong, and we know it is the best in the world.

We are committed to working on any and all plans for restoring jobs, businesses and wealth to Owen County, as those are the key to making this the community it can be. We look forward to the development of those plans and the opportunity to serve our citizens.”

Owen County Judge-Executive Casey Ellis said he was disappointed by the actions of a small percentage of people on both sides of the issue and believes it’s now time for the county to move forward together as a community.

“We’re lucky to live in a country where we’re afforded the democratic process and can cast a vote to decide our fate on issues like this,” Ellis said. “This is a very divisive issue, and the outcome reflects that with the small margin.”

Brian Riddle/N-H Correspondent A group gathers around the Owen County Clerk’s Office Tuesday evening to await the results of the countywide wet-dry election. The measure failed by 23 votes. Buy this photo

Precinct results:

Absentee

110, yes

92, no

Owenton Inc.

195, yes

197, no

Lusby's Mill

108, yes

118, no

Gtatz

142, yes

108, no

North Owenton

157, yes

184, no

Jonesville

17, yes

40, no

South Owen

241, yes

190, no

Hesler

74, yes

108, no

Monterey

162, yes

103, no

Bromley

66, yes

103, no

Wheatley

55, yes

78, no

New Columbus

38, yes

53, no

New Liberty

52, yes

66, no

