Only one candidate has filed to run for the Marshall County Council District 1 seat recently vacated by Sheriff Matt Hassel. Republican Party leaders chose him to replace the late Tom Chamberlin. Hassel had to resign from the council before he could be sworn in.
Prospective candidates had until noon on Friday to declare their intentions. Marshall County Clerk Debbie Vandermark only received one filing. It was from Bremen Town Councilman Heath Thornton.
Marshall County Republican Party Chair Dave Holmes had scheduled a caucus of District 1 precinct chairs tomorrow night to select Hassel’s replacement. He’s contacted state officials to see if a caucus still needs to be conducted. As of Friday afternoon he had not gotten an answer.
Since Thornton is the only candidate, he will have to resign his seat on the town council in order to hold the county office. Once he does, another party caucus will need to be scheduled to fill that seat. Bremen is also searching for a new police chief, as Hassel held that job prior to being elected sheriff. His replacement is expected to be named next month.