Journal-Democrat photo by David Swanson The Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School Class of 2008.

In the most hotly contested local race, Dean L. Speth defeated four other Republicans for his party’s nomination for Otoe County Commissioner in District 3 in Tuesday’s primary election. He will run unopposed in the November general election.

Speth received 28.24 percent of the votes; Willie Scheef received 26.76; Arlen Ross, 17.65; Paul Wallman, 14.12; and Milton Boldt, 13.09 percent.

In the race for Syracuse City Council’s two open seats, one candidate, Raymond Umbarger, was eliminated from the field of five. The other four, Alan Britton, Lynn Lyon, Jim Pierce and Kristy Henke, will advance to the general election. Umbarger received 4.96 percent of the votes. The others received 20 to 27 percent, with Alan Britton and Lynn Lyon receiving the most votes, 27.08 percent and 26.79 percent respectively.

For the Palmyra school board, one candidate, Kevin Heidtbrink, was eliminated. The others advance.

Voters approved a budget levy override for the Syracuse Rural Fire District. The levy override would be in place July 2008 to June 2013.

Voters in Otoe voted to permit the village to establish a keno-type lottery to raise funds to be used for community betterment.

In the presidential race, Otoe County voters favored Hillary Clinton (Dem.) and John McCain (Rep.) In the caucus, county Democrats favored Barack Obama.

For U.S. Senate, local Democrats chose Scott Kleeb, 65.26 percent, while local Republicans chose Mike Johanns, 76.68 percent.

Elected to the Community Memorial Hospital Board were Carolyn Gigstad, 36.40 percent, Jan Moore, 32.76 percent, and Dallas Haynes, 30.60 percent. Three seats were open.

See additional results online, www.journaldemocrat.com.