Kosciusko County Clerk Chief Deputy Melissa Boggs, right, is shown accepting the candidacy filing from Nathan Scherer. Scherer filed Friday afternoon for county commissioner – northern district. Photo by Liz Shepherd.

By Deb Patterson and Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Candidate filing began last Wednesday, Jan. 10 and will continue until noon, Friday, Feb. 9.

Only two of the incumbents: Michelle Puckett, county treasurer; and Tyler Huffer, county coroner, have filed for re-election.

Incumbents Brad Jackson, county commissioner – northern district; Kathy Groninger, SueAnn Mitchell, and Joni Truex, county council members at-large, all stated they were not making any announcements yet.

Ann Torpy, county clerk of the court, is ineligible to seek re-election due to term limits.

Michael Kissinger, county surveyor, stated he is retiring this year after nine years as county surveyor and 43 years in the office.

Judge Michael Reed confirmed rumors that he will be retiring at the end of the year and thus not seeking re-election.

Cary Groninger, county councilman – middle district and Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed could not be reached.

Tracy Cutler Wilson files her candidacy for county coroner Friday, Jan. 12. Photo provided by Mike Wilson.

Puckett who was appointed treasurer effective Jan. 1, 2023, following Rhonda Helser’s election as county auditor, stated “I am led to seek re-election as county treasurer because my heart for service to Kosciusko County is as strong today as it was when I started working for the county 25 years ago. Since I accepted the position of treasurer, I have continued to learn more about the financial operations of the county as well as have a front row seat to working with taxpayers on a daily basis.

“Having the ability to educate taxpayers on tax bill calculations, process mobile home permits or collect property taxes is not just what we do, but how we serve. Several changes have been made to streamline our internal processes in order to lessen the wait time for taxpayers during the busy spring and fall tax times. I look forward to continuing to work efficiently and accurately in all aspects of the Treasurer’s office duties.”

Tyler could not be reached for comment.

Others who have filed, all Republicans, as of Jan. 12 are:

County Clerk — Melissa Boggs.

County Coroner — Tracy Cutler Wilson.

Council At Large — Rachael V. Rhoades and Delynn Geiger.

County Surveyor — James R. Moyer.

County Commissioner – Northern District — Marcia Baumgartner and Nathan Scherer.

Boggs, Rhoades, Moyer Geiger and Scherer all announced their candidacies prior to the start of filing.

Jack Birch, who announced his candidacy as Circuit Court Judge in early December, is expected to file with the secretary of state.