Government, Latest News, Preston County

In Preston, magistrate positions draw largest number of filers on first day

KINGWOOD — Preston County’s three magistrate positions attracted more candidates on the first day of filing than other offices.

Incumbent Magistrate P.L. Grimm, of Rowlesburg, filed for the Division 1 magistrate seat. Aaron Knotts, of Kingwood, and Rhonda Wolfe Sypolt, of Rowlesburg, filed for the Division 3 magistrate seat.

Magistrates run in a nonpartisan election and run in divisions.

In other races, attorney Jay Shay, a Republican from Bruceton Mills, filed to run for prosecuting attorney.

Joel Gordon, of Masontown, is seeking the Republican nomination for sheriff. Under state law, incumbent Sheriff Dan Loughrie cannot run for a third consecutive term.

Chief Deputy Paul “Moe” Pritt filed to run for sheriff.

Incumbent Assessor Connie Ervin, of Kingwood, a Republican, filed to seek a second term. Incumbent County Commissioner Don Smith, a Republican from Kingwood, also filed to seek re-election.

Preston voters will also elect three board of education members, conservation district supervisor and surveyor.

TWEET@ DominionPostWV