CAVE SPRING — Pens throughout the room diligently scratched tally marks across paper as the ballots for Cave Spring’s City Council seats were read aloud Tuesday night.

At the final count, Margaret Highnote Allgood won Post 5 with 88 votes. Nicholas J. McLemore came in a close second with 86 votes, and Ouida Sams finished third with 51 votes.

Kenneth Kelly ran unopposed for Post 4, and Ken Landers also ran unopposed for Post 3. Post 5 incumbent Tony McIntosh opted not to seek re-election.

Polls closed at 7 p.m., and ballots were counted aloud in the city’s new Community Center.

Allgood seemed excited about the plans she has for Cave Spring. “I really love Cave Spring,” said Allgood. “I really want to see it keep its historic flavor, but I want to see it progress, too.”

Allgood said she is pleased with Cave Spring’s police department, fire department and its council; however, there are aspects about the town she wants to improve.

“I want to preserve as many historical buildings as I can and bring in the kinds of businesses to make this a resort town,” said Allgood.

“I want a way to make children at the Georgia School for the Deaf more involved in the community and improve the water system. It’s in major need of an upgrade,” she said.

Allgood also expressed a desire for more sidewalks.

“We’re a walking town and need to make sure people are safe,” said Allgood.

Allgood said the biggest challenge facing Cave Spring is the same current economic situation affecting the country.

“We need to support small businesses. We have lots of local artists like whittlers and knitters. We need to support them,” said Allgood.