Gary Blackwell will take the helm as the new Ray County Sheriff after garnering 2,209 (50.98%) of the 5,201 ballots cast in the August 6 election, according to unofficial election results. Reports show only 33.9% (5,201) of the 15,362 registered voters in the county voted in the race, according to Ray County Clerk Heather Maulsby. Trailing a distant second place behind Blackwell was Scott Childers, who claimed 1,532 votes, or 35.32%, followed by Geremy Pearce with 596 votes, or 13.74%. “I am deeply honored and humbled to have won the Republican primary for the office of Ray County Sheriff,” said Blackwell. “I want to thank the voters, both Democrat and Republican, for the trust, support and confidence you have entrusted in me. Together, we will uphold the principles that make Ray County a great community to live and thrive. I am dedicated to displaying both the reverence and respect that the office of sheriff deserves.” In the Ray County Commissioner’s races, both incumbents —…