TROY, Kan. — Patrons of the Doniphan West School District told officials Tuesday they want the full benefit of a consolidation between its two member districts.

A combined total of 588 voters approved the full consolidation between the Highland and Midway-Denton school districts in western Doniphan County. Only 88 voters rejected the idea.

In unofficial results, the measure carried 293-78 among Highland district voters, and 295-10 in the Midway-Denton district.

The Doniphan West School District has existed in name for almost five years, although the system does not exist as a single entity with a common tax rate and one board of education. High school classes are held in Highland, while middle school students attend class in Denton. Elementary students are split between buildings in Highland and Midway-Denton.

Superintendent Rex Bollinger said school officials will spend the next five months creating a temporary transition board that will determine the consolidation’s mechanics.

“We’ve got to write new policies and procedures,” he said. “What they’ll see is a whole new district,” he said of patrons’ expectations.

The effort will include an evaluation of current staff and analysis of future staff needs, according to Mr. Bollinger.

The full consolidation is due to take effect July 1.

Elsewhere Tuesday, a primary runoff was held for municipal contests in Chillicothe. Those with the highest vote totals advance to the April 7 election.

In the Republican Party’s races, Carol Sloan received 75 votes for the council’s First Ward seat. The other challengers were Marvin R. Holcer, who received 51 votes; and Jerry L. Nibarger, who had 26.

The Democratic selection for the council seat is Sid Cornell, who received 65 votes to 13 for Bobby D. Zimmer. First Ward incumbent Earle Teegarden, a Democrat, chose not to seek re-election.

In the Fourth Ward, Paul Howard received 58 votes to 49 for James Beaman in the Republican primary. Incumbent Pam Jarding, a Democrat, did not file for re-election. No Democrats filed for the seat.

Darrel V. Rinehart Jr., a Democrat, received 305 votes in the contest for the city’s at-large council seat. He will face Libertarian challenger Jeff Foli, who had three votes.

Incumbent City Auditor Theresa Gatson Kelly, a Democrat, received 335 votes to 53 for challenger Wanda L. Urton. There were no Republican candidates for auditor.

All other city primary races were uncontested.

Voters also chose to renew a capital improvements program designed to fund permanent streets by a tally of 439-213.

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.