Wallace, Olsen advance

Events production company owner Chris Wallace came out on top in a primary election for state Board of Education District 7, a nonpartisan office left open by incumbent Merv Iverson's decision not to seek re-election.

Wallace, 29, said he was nervous until he saw the election results Tuesday night.

"Honestly, this is my first time," Wallace said. "I hope (the results) hold up."

With 100 percent of precincts reported, Wallace took 43 percent of the vote. Val Olsen, 50, a former member of the White Pine County School Board, garnered 31 percent of the vote and earned the right to go up against Wallace in November's general election. At stake is a four-year term on the 10-member state Board of Education, which sets policy for K-12 education.

James Brooks, 18, a recent Valley High School graduate, finished last with 26 percent.