Randel L. Meredith, of Leitchfield, announces he is running for Grayson County Sheriff as a Republican. He released the following statement: I am a life-long republican and have lived in Grayson County all of my life. My wife is Lois Cook Meredith, and we have one son, Daryl, who is married to the former Bonnie Dennis. We have two grandchildren, Rebecca and Ethan.

Most of you are acquainted with me, as I have been involved in various businesses in Grayson County all of my adult life. It is my belief that the primary responsibility of the Sheriff's Office is to make this county a safer place to live. If elected, I will work for all the people of the county, enforcing the law in a fair and impartial way. I will respond to county citizens' needs.

Your vote and support will be greatly appreciated.

Grayson County farmer Steve Alvey has announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Sheriff. Alvey is a life-long resident of Grayson County and is a well known cattle farmer and active member of local farm organizations. He is a member of the Grayson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. For 18 years Alvey worked for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in Agricultural Regulatory Enforcement.Steve and his wife Cindy live at 262 Eveleigh Road. He is the father of two sons and a step-daughter. His son Bryan and his wife Sandy live in Louisville. Bryan works as Director of Local Affairs and Policy Development for the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation. His son Brad also lives in Louisville and is General Manager for Advent Mortgage. His step-daughter Jennifer and her husband Mark Wallace live in Louisville. Jennifer works for Humana. Alvey is the son of James “Ness” and Nellie Higdon Alvey.

He is a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church where he serves on the Parish Council. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Alvey is a 1970 graduate of Leitchfield High School and studied business administration and accounting at Spencerian College.

“Seeking local elective office has always been something I wanted to do. Our Sheriff's office is an important position. “You entrust your family's safety and public tax revenues to the care of the sheriff. Should you elect me, this will be a responsibility that I will devote myself to with diligence. “In a spirit of candor, my decision to seek election as sheriff was fast forwarded last year. While I had intended on running for sheriff in the future; my plan was to do so upon my retirement from my position with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

“The truth is I lost that job last year. In spite of being protected by the Merit System rules, the new administration terminated me for what I believe to be political reasons.

“My appeal of this wrongful termination is now before a Personnel Board.

“While my attorney tells me we will eventually prevail, a final determination will likely take several months or perhaps years. “The lesson we all should learn from this is public service should never be about partisan politics. “If you elect me sheriff, you have my word that you will get the service you deserve regardless of your political affiliation,” Alvey said.

Harold Johnson, of Clarkson, announced this week he is a Republican candidate for 1st District Magistrate. He released the following statement in support of his candidacy:

Harold is a life-long resident of Grayson County and is married to Joan Johnson. He has one son, Chris, of Clarkson, and two daughters, Debbie Renfrow of Clarkson and Pam Duncan of Russellville. Harold and his family attend the Clarkson Church of Christ.

He is an army veteran and served his country in Vietnam. He has 30 years of business experience, working as manager at Crop Production Services in Clarkson.

His plans are to retire in 2007 and give full and proper attention to all the needs in the 1st District. He also understands the need to work with our county government in financial and business decisions. I am asking for your support and your vote. Thank you.

Carl Ball, of Clarkson, is running for 1st District Magistrate as a Republican. He released the following statement in support of his candidacy: My wife of 49 years is Paula Barber Ball, the daughter of the late William A. and Lillian R. Barber of Warren County. Carl is the son of the late Ollie and Cova Ball of Breckinridge County. Carl and Paula have two daughters, Cathy Wallingford and Sherri Ball. They are members of the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, where Carl serves on the Parish Council. He is a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He has served Clakrson City Commissioner. My main concern are the ditches along roads in the 1st District. They have standing water and broken tiles. I would appreciate your vote in the May Primary.

Marilyn “Sisy” Gibson, of Clarkson, announced this week she is a Republican candidate for 1st District Magistrate. She released the following statement in support of her candidacy:

I am the daughter of Maxwell and Doris Gibson. I have two sons, Matthew and Brian.

I feel that since I've worked all my life at farming and in the concrete business for the past 20 years that I know all about hard work and dealing with the public all over Grayson County.

If elected, I will treat everyone fairly and to the best of my capabilities. I will appreciate all support and all votes in the May Primary. Thank you.