By KAREN JONES CODY
An effort to change the designation of Knott County from “dry” to “wet” failed by 789 votes in a special election on Tuesday. Out of 11,745 registered voters, 3,969 cast their votes to answer the question, “Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in Knott County, Kentucky?”
Support for alcohol sales was shown most strongly in the Beaver Creek area, with all three precincts there having more votes in favor of a “wet” county. “Yes” votes carried only three other precincts, Middle Carr, Saltlick and Lower Jones Fork. The vote was tied in one precinct.
County Clerk Ken Gayheart reported that voter turnout was larger than for the general election last November. Officials estimate the special election cost the financially-strapped county around $25,000; approximately the same amount will again be spent on the primary election in May.
According to state law, it will be three years before the wet/dry issue could be considered again. Judge-Executive Randy Thompson shared a message to those on both sides of the issue.
“To the people who were for having the county be ‘wet,’ I respect their courage for standing for what they believe in. I hope they will use their energy and interest to try to grow Knott County’s economy in other ways.
“To the Concerned Citizens who organized against the effort, I hope they can be as concerned about the prescription pill problem in the county as they were the dangers of alcohol. Maybe it would be beneficial to rally against that. I hope they can offer assistance and be involved.”
Unofficial precinct totals reported Tuesday night ap- pear on page 2.