While the Presidential Election looms closer and the nation prepares to cast their votes, another election, a little closer to home, is about to take place as well. McPherson County is preparing to turn their ballots in for the Sheriff election on Tuesday, November 8th. The winner of this general election will take office starting in January of 2017.

  Jerry P. Montagne and Larry G. Powell are both Republican candidates, and there are no Democratic candidates running for sheriff during this election cycle. Although Montagne won the primary election on August 2nd by 23 votes, Powell has announced he has started a write-in campaign encouraging people to support him, despite the results. Powell and Montagne were very close, with Powell pulling 49.84 percent and Montagne pulling the remaining 50.16 percent. Powell has been the sheriff of McPherson County for the last 24 years, so he has the experience to back his claims up.

 “I have 44 years of law experience, and the last 24 years as your sheriff,” said Powell in a mailed-out insert. “I pledge to continue to work hard for the citizens of McPherson County and to provide you with the competent and professional service you have grown accustomed to. I ask for your continued support as your Sheriff.”

 Large signs, mail-inserts, and other advertisements have dotted McPherson lawns and mailboxes for the last few months to prepare for the election that seems so close.

“I am very excited,” stated Montagne after winning the general election, “I want to thank all the voters and the public that came out and voted. Me and my wife, she helped me campaign, we had an amazing adventure and meeting people in this county and seeing parts of the county I never knew is fantastic.”

Update: Jerry Montange has won the position of sheriff with 9,540 votes, while the write-in votes came to 2,092.  Just like the winner of the presidential election, Montange will not officially become sheriff until January, 2017. In the meantime, the current sheriff, Larry Powell, will keep the position. Congratulations to Jerry Montange, and we hope there are great things to come for you and McPherson County. (Update written by Breckyn Martens)