Two political newcomers were elected Thursday night, along with two political veterans who earned their third terms in office.

Kasey Owens is one of the newcomers, elected to serve on the Warren County Commission in the 3rd District. Tommy Culwell is the other, elected to serve on the School Board in the 6th District.

Beth Martin was elected to her third term as property assessor in the lone countywide race, while Tanya Bess also gained her third term on the School Board representing the 4th District.

“Right now I’m pretty excited,” said Owens, moments after learning she had won her first term. “I was out at the polls today and it was pretty amazing to talk to people and learn that they have confidence in me.”

The 3rd District seat was open due to a resignation on the County Commission and Owens realizes there will be an adjustment period.

“I know I’ll be coming out of nowhere but I think everyone will be very welcoming,” she said. “I’m anxious to find out what committees I will be serving on and how I can make a difference.”

Tommy Culwell will be the only new School Board member after Bess won re-election and Bill Zechman returned to office in the 2nd District unopposed.

“First and foremost, I have to thank the Lord and thank my family members who supported me and were out at the polls today,” said Culwell. “I had family members from age 5 to 84 out there helping me. I also want to give a shout-out to Teddy Jones. He ran a great race and that’s the way politics should be.”

Culwell is the current president of the PTO at Dibrell School as he has worked to make a difference in education.

“I’m not going into this with any outside agenda,” said Culwell. “Ultimately, I want to do what’s best for the students, teachers and parents here in Warren County.”

Tanya Bess retains her School Board seat after serving eight years in office.

“I’m super excited people have the confidence in me to elect me for a third time,” said Bess. “Keeping our children safe and keeping them educated is a big challenge right now. But I think we’ve worked to have all our bases covered. We have the VIP program in place so if you want your child to stay home, we have you covered. If you think your child needs to be in a classroom, we have you covered. We’ve worked hard to develop options for everyone.”

Beth Martin will also be beginning her third term as property assessor after serving eight years in office.

“I’m absolutely stoked,” said Martin. “I want to first thank the Lord, second thank my voters, and third thank my friends and family. It takes all three to make it work.”

Added Martin, “I think people get treated fairly, respectfully and courteously when they visit my office. I think we do an excellent job and people appreciate that.”