Third candidate enters sheriff's race

It’s now a three-way race for Flathead County sheriff, with patrol Sgt. Lance Norman filing as a candidate on Monday.

Norman, a native of Whitefish, has been a sheriff’s deputy for the last 17 years, including two years as a detective, and has worked as coroner and field training officer.

He also has been a firearms instructor and has been a member of SWAT, the sheriff’s marine division and snowmobile team.

Norman was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2005 and has served as president and secretary-treasurer of the Flathead County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

In a press release announcing his candidacy, Norman said he vows to “restore leadership, integrity and accountability to the office of sheriff.”

Also in the race are incumbent Sheriff Mike Meehan and former Undersheriff Chuck Curry. Both are Republicans.

With the March 15 deadline for filing in state and local elections approaching, several Democrats recently filed for candidacy in local legislative races.

Bigfork-area resident Edd Blackler has filed as a candidate in Senate District 5, challenging incumbent Sen. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell.

Rep. Mike Jopek, D-Whitefish, has filed for re-election in House District 4. Also in that race is Republican Derek Skees. 

Democrat Bryan Schutt has filed in Kalispell’s House District 8, making it a five-way race. Other candidates are Republicans Michael-John Davis, Carl Glimm and Steve Lavin and Independent Bill Jones.

Constitution Party candidate Keith Sibbert has filed for the House District 6 race, challenging incumbent Rep. Bill Beck, R-Whitefish.

At the county level, Steven Romano has announced his candidacy for Justice of the Peace, Department 2.

Other candidates in that race include incumbent Mark Sullivan, Paul Sullivan, Travis Bruyer and Eric Hummel.