By Lucky Kidd
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — All three Reno County Commission seats on the ballot this year will be contested in the Republican primary and two will be at the November general election.
Four fillings were made prior to Monday’s noon deadline, which sets up a three-way GOP primary in the 2nd District and takes in much of western Reno County, including South Hutchinson and a small part of Hutchinson.
Melony Ball and Kenneth Nisly filed to run against incumbent 2nd District Commissioner Ron Hirst, the senior member of the Commission in point of service. No Democrat filed in the 2nd district.
In the 3rd District, which includes the Buhler, Medora area and part of Hutchinson, Garth Strand of Buhler filed as a Democrat to face the winner of the Republican primary between Timothy Davies and Ron Vincent of rural Hutchinson. Incumbent Daniel Friesen of Buhler is not seeking re-election.
Lindsey Hatfield of Hutchinson filed Monday for the 4th Commission District on the Democratic ticket and will face incumbent Republican John Whitesel or his primary opponent Richard Winger. The 4th District Election is for the final two years of a term Whitesel was appointed to after the person who won the 2022 general election declined the seat. The 4th District is entirely within the city of Hutchinson.
One other filing of note, Deputy County Clerk Jenna Fager filed for the County Clerk’s position. Incumbent Donna Patton will not be seeking re-election.
The other incumbent Reno County office holders are unopposed in re-election bids, including Sheriff Darrian Campbell, Register of Deeds Michelle Updegrove, Treasurer Richelle Calvert, and District Attorney Tom Stanton. District Judge Keith Schroeder is unopposed for re-election in Division 2, while Jeff Newsum is unopposed as he seeks a full term as Magistrate Judge, which he was appointed to last year. Greg Bell is unopposed for Division 4 District Judge, the position Patricia Macke Dick is retiring from at the end of her current term.
August 2024 Primary Election Schedule:
June 22: Deadline to mail UOCAVA Ballots (KSA 25-1220)
July 16: Deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information
July 17: Advance ballots by mail are transmitted
July 18: In-Person early voting begins in Reno County
August: 5 In-Person advanced voting ends at 12:00 p.m.
August 6: 2024 Primary Election
