Tobacco.org

• Emporia smoking ban passes by 6 

By the smoke-thin margin of a mere six votes, Emporia voters have approved a ban on smoking in public places in the city.

The Lyon County Commission considered 74 provisional ballots Friday. With that total added to Tuesday’s general election, 2,369 voters supported the ban with 2,363 against.

An ordinance passed last December on a 3-2 vote by the Emporia City Commission was delayed by a petition seeking the public vote. Steve Corbin, an Emporia tavern order who led the referendum drive, said Friday he considers the issue to be all but over.

“It was close and we’re not real happy, but our side lost,’’ Corbin said. “Some people are talking about asking for a recount, and we have until Monday to ask for one.

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