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In a three-person race for two positions with the Stanly County Soil And Water Conservation District, incumbent Curtis Furr and challenger Rebecca Gibson emerged victorious.

Furr led with 45% of the vote (13,593), followed by Gibson with 30% of the vote (9,143). Franklin Lee came in a distant third with 23% of the vote (6,949).

“I’m glad that I got back in and I enjoy working on that board,” said Furr, who is chairman of the five-member district board and will be serving a fourth term.

North Carolina has 96 local soil and water conservation districts, each governed by a five-member board of supervisors. The district works closely with county, state and federal governments along with public and private organizations to carry out a conservation program that protects and improves the county’s natural resources while assisting private landowners in using conservation practices.

“We try to promote good water quality through the farmers,” Furr said.

Gibson, a Stanfield resident who operates a farm with her husband along the Rocky River, will replace district board member Gerald McSwain.

“I am very excited and honored to be given the opportunity to serve my community here in Stanly County as the Soil and Water District director,” Gibson said. “I’m grateful to everyone who came out and voted and am looking forward to working with both Mr. Furr and the rest of the board.”

The other board members are Chester Lowder, Jody Smith and Howard Moose.