Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Voters in Ripley County will help decide one of the hottest contested races in the General Election - that of the Ninth District U.S. Congressman - when they go to the polls next Tuesday, November 7.
Presently serving is Mike Sodrel, Republican, who is being challenged by Baron Hill, Democrat, who has also sat in that seat. Both candidates say they are ready for the election and both are ready to fill the position. Hill narrowly lost to Sodrel in the last election, and called for a recount. However, the recount was called off after it was evident that Sodrel had taken the lead.

Running against Sodrel and Hill on the Libertarian Ticket is D. Eric Schansberg, who came to Ripley County for Meet the Candidates Night, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Republican incumbent Johnny Nugent is being challenged for the District 43 State Senator seat by Lane A. Siekman, Democrat, who is an attorney from Rising Sun.

For State Representative in District 67, incumbent Republican Cleo Duncan is being challenged by Martin (Marty) Voegele, who is running on the Independent Ticket. Democrat Robert Bischoff, who is presently the State Representative for District 68, will be challenged by Republican Bill Ullrich, and Republican Billy Bright, State Representative for District 69, faces opposition from Democrat David Cheatham.

Another race that is being closely watched by citizens of Ripley County is that of sheriff. Neither are incumbents and both have law enforcement backgrounds and are presently serving as deputies with the sheriff’s department. Republican Thomas (Tom) Grills is one choice with William (Bill) Dramann, Democrat, being the other.

Republican incumbent Mary Ann McCoy is being challenged for her position as Auditor by Democrat David R. Forwalt. County Commissioner Republican Robert Reiners will be challenged by Democrat Lloyd E. Richter for his seat as County Commissioner in District 1.

Choices for County Council District 1 will be Juanita (Dee Dee) Kaiser, Republican and Joseph L. Decker, Democrat. All other council positions are unopposed: Patricia Dephane Smith (District 2); David Simon (District 3); and Edward Armbrecht (District 4).

While there is no opposition for the position of Delaware Township Trustee, which Paul A. Hardy now holds, there will be options for the Delaware Township Board. There are two Republicans: Harold Turner and Robert E. Workman and two Democrats, James M. Grigsby and Kerry A. McConnell, for choices. You can only vote for three.

Johnson Township Trustee Joyce Samples, Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Amber May.
For those voting for Washington Township Trustee, they will have three choices: Ronald Denton, Republican; Arlin Hooker, Democrat; and Ruby McDonald, Independent. Voters have four choices for Washington Township Board members: Kimberly S. Johnson, Republican; and Debra J. Cutter, Harland E. Delap, and Emily M. Voss, all on the Democrat Ticket. You can only vote for three.

For the Town of Osgood Council Members at Large there are four choices: Jerry Burton and Linda Krinop on the Republican Ticket and Vickie (De Dee) Holliday and Gary Norman on the Democrat Ticket. You can only vote for two.

Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel, Assessor Shawna Bushhorn and Surveyor Jeff French are unopposed in the General Election, as well as school board members for South Ripley Corporation.
Clerk Ginger Bradford noted that election results can be viewed online at ripleycounty.com then click on elections. With the new system, updates will be posted as soon as each township comes into the courthouse. The polls are open November 7 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A complete listing of candidates for the General Election appeared in the October 26 edition of The Versailles Republican on Page 7, Section B.