Miller has challenge from Houck (01/18/06)

Filing for candidates for the May primary election in Jay County opened today, and already two contested races are underway.

Four of the six candidates expressing an interest in the sheriff’s spot, and two candidates, including the incumbent, seeking a nod for a commissioners seat were among the early filers this in the clerk’s office.

A contest in the Republican primary for Commissioner of the Middle District was created this morning as the current president of the Jay County Council filed along with veteran Commissioner Milo Miller Jr.

Jack Houck, who is executive director of the Jay Community Center, will try to defeat Miller, who is nearing the completion of his fourth term in office.

As expected, the opening day drew most of the candidates who had previously declared as candidates for Jay County Sheriff.

There were handshakes and plenty of joking as four of the six declared sheriff candidates — Bob Brown, Jay Halstead, Ray Newton and Mitch Sutton — filed into the clerk’s office when it opened at 8:30 a.m. in the Jay County Courthouse to fill out their declaration of candidacy.

Brown, Newton and Sutton are all deputies for the Jay County Sheriff’s Department, while Halstead is an investigator with the Indiana State Police.

Democrats Greg Franks and Mark Barnett have also said they plan to file to run for their party’s nomination for sheriff. Franks is a county deputy, while Barnett is a Portland police officer.

Gerald Kirby, 30 S. Union St., Redkey, was the lone Democrat filing today. He is the incumbent District 1 Jay County Council representative.

Other candidates filing for offices early today were: Todd Wickey, who currently holds a seat on the Jay County Council representing District 4 and is seeking re-election to that spot; Nancy Culy, a candidate for the auditor’s position to replace incumbent Freda Corwin who cannot seek reelection; and Brian Hutchison, incumbent judge of the Jay Circuit Court. Hutchison filed a courtesy declaration of candidacy with Loy today, and will file a formal declaration with the Indiana Secretary of State.

Here’s a summary of candidates who filed today.

Sheriff — Bob Brown, 807 W. Main St., Portland, Republican; Ray Newton, 10083 West 200 South, Portland, Republican; Jay Halstead, 920 S. Joan Drive, Portland, Republican; and Mitch Sutton, 515 W. Walnut St., Portland, Republican.

Commissioner middle district — Jack Houck, 2190 West 50 North, Portland, Republican; and Milo M. Miller Jr., (incumbent) 109 Bittersweet Lane, Portland, Republican.

Auditor — Nancy Culy, 204 Oak St., Portland.

Council District 3 (Wayne 1, Wayne 2, Wayne 3, Wayne 7) — Judson Todd Wickey, (incumbent) 416 N. Pleasant St., Portland, Republican.

Judge of the Jay Circuit Court — Brian Hutchison, (incumbent) 107 Rayburn Drive, Portland, Republican.

Recorder — Betty L. St. Myers, (incumbent) 1731 North U.S. 27, Portland, Republican.

Wayne Township Trustee — James E. Brewster, (incumbent) 336 N. Charles St., Portland, Republican.

Precinct committeeman for Wayne 3 — Edward Grigsby, (incumbent) 140 E. Baker St., Portland, Republican.

Candidates have until noon on Feb. 17 to file for the primary.[[In-content Ad]]