Ronan officer challenges Bell for sheriff

There will be a contested race for sheriff in Lake County this year.

Ronan Police Sgt. Corey White has filed to challenge incumbent Lake County Sheriff-Coroner Don Bell in the Nov. 8 general election.

Bell and White are among nine candidates, mostly incumbents, who have declared their candidacies so far for county offices during the filing period that began Jan. 13 and closes March 14.

White, a native of the Mission Valley, joined the RPD in 2016 after previously serving as undersheriff/deputy coroner for Golden Valley County in central Montana.

Bell has 30 years of experience in public safety and was first elected to serve as sheriff and coroner in 2015.

Both candidates for sheriff are running as Republicans.

Polson City Judge Michael Larson has filed to replace Lake County Justice of the Peace Randal Owens, who had not yet filed for re-election as of Monday. Justice of the Peace is a nonpartisan position.

Current Chief Criminal Deputy County Attorney James Lapotka has announced his intention to run for county attorney. No one else has filed for the position. If successful, Lapotka will replace current County Attorney Steve Eschenbacher, who is not expected to seek re-election.

Lake County Commissioner Steve Stanley, of District 2, has filed for re-election. Stanley was appointed last year to replace Commissioner Dave Stipe. Stanley said at the time of his appointment that he would seek another term.

Three other republican incumbents also have filed for re-election: Clerk and Recorder Katie Harding, Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Hall and Assessor/Treasurer Robin Vert-Rubel. None have a declared challenger so far.

There are three positions available with the Lake County Conservation District. Elmo rancher Sigurd Jensen is the only candidate to file so far.

All the county positions on the ballot are four-year terms beginning in 2023, except the Lake County Commission seat, which is a six-year term.

Editor's note (Feb. 3): A previous version of this article had an error regarding Corey White's work prior to joining the Ronan Police Department. It was in Golden Valley County, Montana.