Kearstin Criswell

WINONA LAKE — Kearstin Criswell, Winona Lake, is seeking to fill the vacant District 1 seat on the Winona Lake Town Council.

Criswell is seeking to fill the vacancy left by former council member Peter Christos. Christos officially resigned from his position on the Winona Lake Town Council with a letter of resignation dated July 10.

Criswell has lived in Winona Lake for the last seven years. She is beginning her eighth school year as Director of Student Involvement at Grace College this fall.

This is the 30-year-old’s first time running for public office.

Two years ago, Criswell purchased a home in her current district. Criswell’s decision to own a home in the community shifted her perspective to one of wanting to invest in her community more. She had been looking into expanding her involvement in the community when the vacancy opened up. When she learned of the vacancy, she felt it would be a valuable way to invest in her hometown.

“I want to invest in my community,” said Criswell.

The council seat hopeful plans to bring a unique perspective to the council if she is chosen to fill the seat. Criswell said she wants to use her insight of both current Grace College students and former students who stay in the Winona Lake area after college.

Criswell is the second individual to file for the vacancy. James Zachary is also seeking to fill the vacancy.

The deadline for filing is 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. A caucus will take place to fill the vacancy at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 in the Winona Lake Town Hall Chambers. 

The Precinct Committeeman designation must be filed with the Chairman Mike Ragan at 1458 East CR 75N, Warsaw 46582, at least 72 hours prior to the caucus in order to have a Precinct Committeeman vote as the Precinct Committeeman proxy. A proxy may not be revoked after it is filed.

Members of the caucus, candidates, designated caucus staff, Republican Party Officials, duly appointed watchers and members of the news media shall be eligible to attend the caucus.

A member of the Winona Lake Town Council, District 1 shall be elected by secret ballot of the majority of members of the voting caucus to fill the vacancy in the office.