Already, Jailer race becoming crowded contest

With the primary election nearly six months off, the race to see who will be Whitley County’s next jailer is already heating up.
So far three candidates have filed to run in the Republican primary for the position.
Fourth-District Magistrate Wayne Wilson filed Wednesday to run for the Republican nomination. Williamsburg Fire Chief James Privett, who finished third in the primary election three years ago, filed for office on Nov. 9 as did Larry R. Patrick of Williamsburg.
Three years ago, Patrick finished second to Wilson in the Republican primary in the race for fourth-district magistrate.
Roy L. Croley filed Nov. 10 to run for first district magistrate. Nolan Bird currently serves as first district magistrate, and hasn’t filed yet.
Division One Circuit Judge Jerry Winchester has already filed papers with the secretary of state’s office to seek re-election as has Division Two District Judge Dan Ballou.
Both judicial races are non-partisan.
According to Whitley County Clerk Tom Rains, next year all officials holding countywide office in Whitley County will be up for re-election, which happens only once every 24 years.