The race for Blaine County Sheriff was probably the most campaigned locally contest race as both candidates held multiple public events, ran radio and print ads and campaigned door to door all across Blaine County in hopes of replacing Glenn Huestis, who is retiring after a long run as Sheriff.

After all the votes were counted it was Democrat John Colby narrowly defeating Republican Frank Billmayer 1,541 to 1,368.

The results produced an interesting outcome as Colby won the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation 880 - 224 or 79.7% of votes cast. Billmayer on the other hand won all remaining precincts 1,145 - 628 or 61% of the vote.

The Blaine County Sheriff department has very limited jurisdiction on the Reservation involving only non-enrolled tribal member calls. This outcome means that Colby has to form a positive connection between his Department and the rest of the county.

Colby will be sworn in as the new Blaine County Sheriff in January and is eager to earn the confidence and trust of all Blaine County citizens.

Colby stated that he ran his campaign in an effort that could bring a working relationship between the Blaine County Sheriff Department and the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation to a reality and therefore benefit all citizens of Blaine County.

"I am excited to take on the duties and responsibilities of the Blaine County Sheriff. I have spent my adult life focusing on law enforcement and keeping communities safe. I enjoy working with the public and invite you to come into the Sheriff's Office and ask us questions or let us know if you have a problem or complaint. We will do what we can to help you with the issue," stated Colby.

Colby expressed many ideas to connect the Sheriff's Department with Blaine County citizens, "I see the Sheriff's Department as a group of men and women who are part of the community. We need to work together to improve the service that is provided to the community."

Moving forward Colby plans to focus on a number of programs including:

Drug Interdiction: Slowing the flow narcotics and the money gained by the sale of narcotics into and through the community.

Better training officers to recognize the signs of drug trafficking based on contact with the driver, and signs seen within the vehicle during traffic stops so they can build a case for prosecution.

We have done a good job on local interdiction, now is the time to step up and go after the large loads that are coming through the hi-line making drops to local dealers and continuing to other areas.

Educate the community on signs in rural areas of possible drug trafficking