The votes are in - David Weaver will continue to be Douglas County sheriff. Weaver won by 70.3 percent - a total of 47,778 votes.

Weaver was unavailable for comment the morning of Nov. 8.

The 46-year-old Republican boasts 20-plus years of experience as the current Douglas County sheriff. According to our candidate questionnaire, Weaver said he has worked "to provide better and more effective public safety services" and being fiscally responsible as the county sheriff.

Weaver said Abraham Lincoln has inspired him in life as do the people he works with in the sheriff's office. Douglas County's population growth, economic stability and water resources also are a concern for Weaver. He stated his "biggest objective is to ensure that the 417-person sheriff's office is properly prepared and always serves the needs of Douglas County. Weaver believes in providing the most innovative, modern and effective services to the citizens of the county.

"I believe this 'service excellence' standard is vital," he said.

Cocha Hayden, a deputy in the sheriff's department, wrote a piece about her work with Weaver. Hayden said in her 14 years in the sheriff's office, she has found working with Weaver to be positive, trustful and honest.

"I trust Dave a lot because he has been here so long," Hayden said. "He knows how to run a sheriff's office. I am very thankful for his experience."

Laura Harper O'Donnell received a total of 20,201 votes. According to our candidate questionnaire, the 50-year-old mother of two has volunteered her time in La Leche League, which is a nonprofit supporting breastfeeding women, schools and campaigning for improving roadways in Douglas County.

As an attorney, O'Donnell has provided low-cost legal services and pro bono work. In her bid for sheriff, O'Donnell's primary issues concerned the increasing growth in Douglas County, rising crime rates and access to water.

"I also feel strongly that, with new technologies, we must be vigilant in protecting the Bill of Rights for future generations," she said.

Though O'Donnell has knowledge with the law as an attorney, some felt she would not be able to fill the county sheriff position. Parker resident and attorney Kory Nelson urged O'Donnell to withdraw from the race early on, citing her lack of experience. Nelson believes with the recent schools shootings and questions of safety in the community, only a person who has dealt with those situations first-hand should be sheriff.

"Ms. O'Donnell is simply incompetent to make these decisions and should not even be on the ballot," Nelson said.