By KYLE W. MORRISON

Southeast Missourian

ANNA, Ill. -- There's a new sheriff in Union County, one who promises to help curb the drug problem in the area.

Following the retirement of Jim Nash, Democrat David Livesay beat out Republican Steven J. Hoepker to become the county's new sheriff in Tuesday's election.

As of deadline with 18 of 20 precincts reporting, Livesay had nearly 74 percent of the vote with 4,311 to Hoepker's 1,380 votes. Absentee ballots were also missing, but only amounted to about 600 votes.

Speaking later Tuesday night, Livesay said the vote outcome showed that Union County residents were pleased with job being done by the sheriff's department and wanted it to continue.

He was pleased with the voter turnout.

"I'd like to express thanks for the residents of Union County for getting out to vote," he said.

Hoepker, a shift commander at the Shawnee Correctional Center with a rank of major, ran on a campaign of change. He alleged that various neighboring departments were not as well coordinated as they could be, and he said he would focus to strengthen bonds between Union and surrounding counties.

But Livesay, a sergeant who has worked with the department for more than 21 years, said he would run on the success of previous administrations.

Livesay promised to work on eradicating the drug problem in Union County, particularly methamphetamine.

To help battle the drugs, Livesay said he wanted to establish a canine unit in the county that could help track down narcotics. He also said he would seek to reopen an investigative division closed down three years ago due to budget problems.

Livesay could not be reached for comment late Tuesday night.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127