No local contested primary races so far

Two weeks into the primary election filing period, there are formally no contested races for Putnam County office in 2022.

Of course, that is all expected to change at some point before the noon deadline on Friday, Feb. 4, with three candidates actively campaigning for Putnam County sheriff since last summer.

Thus far, though, Cloverdale Town Marshal Steve Hibler is the only candidate to have filed.

One position is of interest, with local surveyor Greg Williams putting his name up for the Republican nomination for Putnam County surveyor. Incumbent David Penturf has not filed, though he has held the position since the 1990s.

Local candidates, all Republican, thus far are as follows:

• Circuit Court Judge: Matthew Headley (Incumbent);

• Prosecutor: Tim Bookwalter (I);

• Sheriff: Steve Hibler;

• Clerk: No candidates filed;

• Surveyor: Greg Williams;

• Recorder: No candidates filed;

• County Council District 1: David Fuhrman (I);

• County Council District 2: No candidate filed;

• County Council District 3: Danny Wallace (I);

• County Council District 4: Keith Berry (I).

Two local town councils also have races this year, with incumbent Cindy Holland seeking the Republican nod for Cloverdale Town Council Ward 3 and Tony Riggen seeking the nomination for Russellville Town Council at-large.

In larger races of local interest, State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) thus far has no challengers in District 44.

However, Congressman Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) has company as he seeks another two-year term. Thorntown resident Charles Bookwalter (no relation to the local prosecutor) is also seeking the GOP nod in the state’s Fourth District.

A complete list of candidates, including township trustees and advisory boards, will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Banner Graphic.