WARSAW  — In a move that's likely never been seen locally, a North Webster man has thrown his hat into the ring for two seats on the Kosciusko County Council.

Thaddeus Du Bois on Monday filed paperwork entering his name into two contests.

First, he registered to run for the at-large seat briefly held by John Barrett who resigned over a conflict of interest issue.

Du Bois is now the fifth candidate running for the seat. The caucus will happen on Tuesday night when precinct committee members from across the county meet to hear the candidates speak before voting.

Moments later, Du Bois filed paperwork to run in the Republican primary in May for the 1st District seat currently held by Kimberly Cates.

Dubois said he views the 1st District seat as a backup option if he loses next week's caucus.

He said he was motivated to run in order to eventually change state law involving regional sewer district board representation. He's upset that the Tippecannoe Chapman Sewer District is demanding that he tap into the system.

The sewer board, he said, "Sent me a letter, said I must do this or else, and I didn't want to "must do this or else.' I have a septic, and it works just fine, and I don't want to, and I thought I could just say no thanks, but that's not possible. You can't do that."

He said he and others briefly looked into whether the sewer district could be dissolved — similarly to what recently happened in Marshall County — but has since determined that's not possible and that he's now inclined to sell his home and find a new home for his family of six.

Du Bois also said he's considering a future run against incumbent Republican David Abbott, who represents State House District 18.

“I want to get that law changed, I want to take down the sewer board. It’s not right what they’re doing to people,” he said.

The 52-year-old said a handful of advisers came up with the idea of running for both seats.

Dubois said he prides himself on thinking outside the box.

“That was one of the strategies that was brought up, and everybody loved it and like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s genius,’ so we went for it,” Du Bois said late Monday afternoon.

Kosciusko County GOP Chairman Mike Ragan, who announced the double bid to the media, was asked about a scenario in which one person simultaneously runs for two seats on the same board.

“While it’s not necessarily troublesome, it is highly unusual,” Ragan said.

Other caucus candidates are Will Stockdale, Kyle Tom, Rob Parker, and Travis Trump. The caucus will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the county courthouse.

The deadline to file for the May primary is noon Friday.

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WARSAW — Rob Parker, who has led the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce for ten years, has joined the race for Kosciusko County Council’s at-large seat.

Parker released a statement on Friday, citing a desire to serve the community and help guide the county’s future with "thoughtful, principled leadership.

He’s the third candidate to file for the GOP caucus, which became vacant after the resignation of John Barrett. The other candidates are Will Stockdale and Kyle Tom.

The county-wide caucus is scheduled for 6 p.m., Feb. 10 at the Kosiusko County Courthouse.

Parker brings significant community and organizational leadership experience, including leadership at the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and service on multiple nonprofit and civic boards. Through this work, he has collaborated with business leaders, community stakeholders, and elected officials on issues impacting economic development, quality of place, and long-term community sustainability.

A lifelong resident of Kosciusko County, Parker is a graduate of Warsaw High School. He and his wife, Renee, have been married for 30+ years and are the parents of two married children. Parker says his deep roots in the community give him a strong appreciation for the county’s history, values, and potential.

“I believe democracy is best served when citizens are willing to step forward, be elected, and share in the responsibility of self-government,” Parker said. “Local government matters, and I want to be part of ensuring decisions are made with the long-term best interests of Kosciusko County in mind.”

Parker says his focus will be on responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, fiscal accountability, and sound decision-making that supports families, businesses, and future growthacross the county.

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