Final election filing deadline arrives today

By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Kosciusko County’s general election could very well be even quieter than the primary.

The filing deadline for smaller towns – those with a population of less than 3,500 – is at noon today.

Kosciusko County GOP Chair Mike Ragan said unless there are some flings this morning, the only active election on Nov. 7 could very well be in Pierceton.

Four years ago, Pierceton and three other towns, Etna Green, Mentone and Silver Lake.

The final deadline for anyone to file to run in larger towns, including Warsaw, Syracuse and Winona Lake has already passed with no additions

Ragan was asked if he was surprised about the lack of competition.

“I’m surprised by a lot of things,” Ragan said. “I’m surprised we don’t have races in Syracuse, Winona or Warsw.”

He’s holding out for the chance somebody will file in the final hours.

“I don’t know of any specifics, but it wouldn’t surprise me,” Ragan said.

In Warsaw, the lack of any opposition to the all-Republican slate means City Councilman Jeff Grose is all but assured of becoming the next mayor of Warsaw.

Grose, a longtime city councilman, announced intentions after incumbent mayor Joe Thallemer decided not to seek a fourth term.

It also means Republican Juergen Voss is assured of victory as the new District 1 councilman, which was the seat held by Grose.

All of the other races in city government feature incumbent Republican candidates.

Warsaw canceled its primary for a lack of competition and is now poised to do the same for the November election. The final decision sits with the county election board.