Incumbent filing deadline Feb. 16

Only two non-incumbents have filed so far in local races, for the May 11 primary.

Incumbents, or current office holders, have one week left, until Feb. 16, to file. Non-incumbents have until March 1. Winners of the primary advance to the General Election November 2.

Of the contested races, Sheriff Gene Mahon will face newcomer David C. McConnell in the race for county sheriff and non-incumbent Shane Hilker will vie for a four-year seat on the McCook City Council.

Nearly all council members on the McCook City Council have filed to retain their seats, except for Mayor Dennis Berry for the four-year term.

There are four seats open, with one two-year term and three four-year terms.

Council incumbents who filed for re-election include Jerry Calvin for the two-year term and Lonnie Anderson and Mike Gonzales for the four-year terms.

All of the incumbents on the McCook Board of Education, School District 0017, have filed to retain their seats. These are Scott Johnson, Shane D. Messersmith and Larry S. Shields.

All current office holders in Red Willow County have filed to retain their seats. These include Assessor, Sandra K. Kotschwar; Attorney, Paul M. Wood; Clerk, Paulette Gerver; Clerk of District Court, Beverly J. Dodge; Sheriff, Gene Mahon; Surveyor, Gary Dicenta; Treasurer, Marleen M. Garcia; County Commissioner 1, Earl McNutt and County Commissioner 2, Leigh T. Hoyt.

No incumbent on the Indianola City Council has filed so far, which includes a four-year term for mayor and two, four-year council positions. Current office holders are Mayor Michael Harris and council members Dale Stritt and Timothy Blume.

As of today, none of the current board members on Southwest School Board, School District 0179, have filed so far, for the three four-year terms up for election.

Incumbents include Tom Sughroue, Steve McConville and Don Longnecker.

The majority of seats on the board of the Middle Republican Natural Resources District are up for election, with six of the 10 seats available.

Five incumbents have filed for re-election. These include Kevin Fornoff of Hayes Center, Daniel Nelsen of Moorefield, Brad D. Randel of Indianola, Benjie Loomis of Maywood and Josh Friesen of Wallace.

Current board member Marty Shurr has not yet filed. Each term is for four years.