Capsule Reports - Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

New filings

Several new candidates have filed to run for office, including two who set up contested elections in either the May primary or November general election.

Among the new filers are Timothy C. Murphy for state senator in District 19 and Sara Darby for Jay County recorder.

Murphy, Fort Wayne resident, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle). Darby, a Portland resident, will challenge incumbent Angela Byrum for Jay County recorder.

Filing to seek re-election were State Rep. Matt Lehman, Jay Superior Court Judge Gail Dues, District 1 Jay County Council member Randy May, Jackson Township Trustee Rex Pinkerton and Jefferson Township Advisory Board member Janet Confer, all Republicans.

Filing for this year’s election cycle continues through Feb. 6 in the clerk’s office at Jay County Courthouse.

Rear-end accident

A Ridgeville teenager's vehicle struck the rear of an SUV driven by a Ridgeville woman in front of Jay County High School on Wednesday.

Kaylynn D. Clark, 16, was driving a 2013 Ford Fusion north on Indiana 67 just before 8 a.m. Wednesday behind Martha R. Doss, 40, in her 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. Both drivers told police traffic was slowing as vehicles were turning into the school driveway. They said traffic slowed abruptly and Clark said she was unable to stop before her vehicle struck the Atlas.

The Fusion that Clark was driving is registered to Erica D. Van Note, Ridgeville.

Damage was estimated between $5,000 and $10,000.

Recycling available

Jay County Solid Waste Management District will have recycling trailers available from 9 a.m. to noon today in the parking lot at 220 Lincoln St., Portland, and Dunkirk City Park. 

Applications open

Applications are open for the 2026 Indiana House and Senate page programs.

The page programs allow students in sixth through 12th grade  to watch the legislative process in person, tour the Statehouse and interact with lawmakers.

To apply, visit IndianaHouseRepublicans.com/PageProgram and IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Page-Program.