With the passing of the June 1 filing deadline for candidates interested in running for office,a number of prospects have stepped forward.
All three incumbent county commissioners have opponents. Two will face those opponents in a primary election.
In District 1, incumbent Jan Hall of Hovland filed for re-election and will be challenged by former County Attorney Bill Hennessy of Colvill.
In Commissioner District 5, incumbent Bruce Martinson of Schroeder is being challenged by Tofte resident Paul James, a township supervisor, and Lutsen Supervisor Diane Parker.
Commissioner District 3 is the race with the most action. Incumbent Bob Fenwick is being challenged by Grand Marais Mayor Sue Hakes, City Councilor Kay Costello, planning commission member Lloyd Speck, Keith Kuckler, Cathi Williams, James Smith and Garry Gamble.
The primary to narrow the race to two candidates for the November ballot will be held Tuesday, Aug. 10.
Other county officeholders will run unopposed: Recorder Dusty Nelms, Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers, County Attorney Tim Scannell, and Sheriff Mark Falk.
None of the three Soil & Water Conservation District incumbents has opposition. Incumbent James Hall of District 2 was being challenged by Tina Krauz, but she has withdrawn. Soil & Water District 5 incumbent Roger Haertel and District 4 incumbent David Berglund have filed.
The filing date for School District 166, the hospital district board and City of Grand Marais council is Aug. 3-17.
Election Day is Nov. 2.
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