RICH SQUARE – Peggy Risper is still the mayor of Rich Square.

According to the Northampton County Board of Elections, Risper was certified as the winner of the mayoral race after last week’s canvass of the results.

Initially it appeared former mayor Ted Tyler had defeated Risper as a write-in candidate. In unofficial results the day after the election, Tyler was named on 126 write-in ballots while Risper had 125 votes.

After the canvass, both had numbers added to their final tally, but Risper had more, being declared the winner by a 129-127 count.

Also changing from the initial outcome was the result of the fifth and final seat on the Rich Square Board of Commissioners.

Incumbent Commissioner Raymond Joyner edged out newcomer Ricky Vick for the final seat with 149 votes. Ricky Vick’s official vote tally was 147.

Newcomer J. Dudley Vick was the highest vote-getter in the election with 233 final votes. Finishing next were Charles M. Eason (171), Reginald White (164) and Linwood C. Bryant (153).

Incumbents William Smallwood and Nannie Ellen Branch were defeated in their bid for reelection.