Incumbent Mayor Bill Rice secured his 9th term in office following Thursday’s municipal election, defeating challenger Dave Shelton by an unofficial vote of 98 to 32 across all four wards of the city.

The race, held March 26, saw low but steady voter turnout throughout Sistersville, with Rice maintaining a comfortable lead as ballots were counted Thursday evening.

Mayor Rice’s campaign was notably low-key, focusing less on fanfare and more on highlighting accomplishments achieved during his time in office. His message to voters centered on continued progress, infrastructure improvements, and investment in city services.

Among his most significant recent achievements is the launch of the $1 million Virginia Terrace sewer project, a major infrastructure effort aimed at improving service reliability and supporting future development. Rice worked in coordination with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin to help bring the project to fruition.

Healthcare access has also been a key priority. Construction is now underway on a new, state-of-the-art Sistersville Hospital in partnership with Marietta Memorial Health System. The facility is expected to safeguard local healthcare services while preserving jobs within the community.

City recreation has seen notable upgrades under Rice’s leadership as well. Improvements to Sistersville Park and Pool include a newly installed playground developed in partnership with the Alice Silk May/Shepherd Foundation. The project introduced modern, safe, and engaging equipment for children. Additionally, a $17,000 safety surface was secured through the Olive Barth Foundation to further enhance the play area.

Municipal operations have also expanded and improved. During Rice’s tenure, city employees received three pay raises along with full health insurance coverage. The city has invested in essential equipment, including two new waste removal trucks, a police cruiser, a vacuum truck, and a street sweeper.

Efforts to improve public safety and city appearance have also been evident through the removal of nine condemned buildings as part of a $195,000 dilapidated structures project.

Following the announcement of the results, Mayor Rice expressed appreciation to the community for its continued support.

“I want to thank all the citizens for their votes and their confidence,” Rice said. “Now, let’s get back to work.”

Dave Shelton took to the Sistersville Community Government discussion page on Facebook to thank voters and supporters for their participation and encouragement throughout the campaign. Shelton expressed his appreciation for the community’s engagement and extended congratulations to Mayor Rice on his reelection.

These are the unofficial results broken down by wards. In Ward 1, Rice received 23 votes to Shelton’s 7, with Dana Johnson earning 25 in his unopposed race for council. Ward 2 saw Rice at 42 votes to Shelton’s 10, while Chuck Heinlein captured 53 in his unopposed race for council. In Ward 3, Rice tallied 20 votes compared to Shelton’s 8, with Tommy Gray receiving 25 votes in his unopposed race for council. Ward 4 results were Rice 13, Shelton 7. Rose Hamilton received 15 votes, and Bonnie Hizer 16 votes in their unopposed race for council. Across all wards, Rice’s total unofficial vote count in the mayoral race was 98 to Shelton’s 32, solidifying his reelection to another term.

While the results remain unofficial pending certification, the outcome signals continued support for Rice’s leadership and his focus on steady, practical improvements across Sistersville.