BAGLEY — Bagley Police Chief Adam Gunderson and sheriff's Deputy Clarence LaCroix will advance to the general election for Clearwater County sheriff following the Tuesday, Aug. 11, primary.
Gunderson said the biggest challenge facing the sheriff's office is retaining experienced officers, saying higher wages and better training opportunities are needed.
LaCroix pointed more generally to a lack of resources as the biggest challenge.
The two will have to convince undecided voters that they're the best option to address the county's challenges before November.
Clearbrook voter Robert Westrum said Tuesday he has a favorite candidate for Clearwater County sheriff — but he didn't say who.
Westrum cast his ballot in the Wes Westrum Gymnasium inside the former school, which was converted into Clearbrook City Hall and a community center. He said he's a cousin of the baseball legend for whom the gym is named. Wes Westrum played for the New York Giants in the 1950s and then coached for the Mets.
Robert Westrum posed for a photo in front of a display dedicated to the MLB star of the past after sharing his thoughts on the election.
Other Clearwater County voters shared that it was hard for them to choose just one candidate.
"I've been able to meet all four candidates," said new Bagley resident Janet Mantei, who said she visited with them at Bagley's Fourth of July celebration as well as the recent Clearwater County Fair. "It's going to be hard [to choose one] because they all have good experience."
Gunderson, Larry D. Johnson, LaCroix and Vern Wittenberg were in the running for Clearwater County sheriff. Current Sheriff Darin Halverson is retiring. Three of the four candidates responded to KAXE's Primary Election Guide, and a recent forum was moderated by Bridget Moore, managing editor of the Farmers Independent in Bagley.
A Bagley voter, who only gave her first name, also shared that it was a tough decision to whittle down candidates.
"I was going between two, but I had my final choice," Sophia said. "They're all great candidates."
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