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NEWS BULLETIN: Sheriff to be challenged in fall election

The Steele County Sheriff will be challenged for his job in the November general election.

On the first day of filings Tuesday, Sheriff Lon Thiele filed for re-election as did one of his deputies, Darrin Helget, who also ran against him in the 2018 election.

In the last election, which had been considered by many as the nastiest race in Steele County’s history, Thiele garnered 8,329 votes over Helget’s 7,259, giving the current sheriff a 53% compared to his opponent’s 46%.

During the last race, Helget supporters made negative accusations toward Thiele and the way he has been running the sheriff’s office. At the time, Helget’s campaign led to Thiele speaking out and accusing Helget of running a negative campaign.

In other early filings, incumbents James Brady, Jim Abbe and Rick Gnemi have filed for their positions on the Steele County Board of Commissioners. District Court Judge Joseph Bueltel has filed for re-election as has County Attorney Dan McIntosh. Scott Tuchtenhagen has filed for county surveyor.

Filings remain open until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31.

 

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