Shown are those elected to the Republican Central Committee Saturday morning. Seated is Mike Ragan, chairman. Standing, from left, are Austin Rovenstine, secretary; James Heirerman, treasurer; and Marsha McSherry, vice chairman. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

WARSAW — Mike Ragan, Marsha McSherry and Austin Rovenstine retained their positions with the Kosciusko Republican Central Committee for the next four years. Reagan was elected chairman, McSherry, vice chair, and Rovenstine, secretary during a reorganization caucus this morning, Saturday, March 4.

New to the central committee is James Heirerman who was elected treasurer. Lynn Howie had held the position for a number of years, but following her nomination, she declined.

Howie thanked those present for the time she has spent working with each one. “Thank you very much but I’m going to decline.” Howie noted, “changes I’m not 100 percent on board with … lot of things going on in our life,” as to why she is declining the nomination. Also, noting the health of her mother.

Present to elect the central committee were 64 of the county’s 128 precinct committeemen and vice precinct committeemen.

Ragan was the only individual who filed with the state party secretary and central committee secretary.

“I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed being the chair. The last seven months have been wonderful. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people. We’ve done some exciting things. We had a great headquarters. We had a great fish fry and our hall of fame dinner was second to none. I’m grateful to all of you for participating in all of these things.”

The three remaining offices in the committee were made through nominations. McSherry was nominated by Ron Shoemaker after he congratulated Ragan on his election. “I would like to nominated a person I highly respect …” stated Shoemaker.

“Thank you for your support. I look forward to continuing as your vice chairman,” stated McSherry.

Jean Northerner nominated Rovenstine for secretary. Like Shoemaker, she congratulated Ragan and McSherry on their re-elections. “I too like to congratulate you Mike and Marsha … But I’m happy because we’ve worked so hard to bring young people into this fold, there’s a couple here today and I’m here to make a nomination for Austin Rovenstine to continue as our secretary.”

Ernie Wiggins made the nomination for Howie to be treasurer and following declining her nomination, Bruce Lamb nominated Heirerman.

An opportunity for Rovenstine and Heirerman to speak were not afforded to the candidates.