Joseph Allen Shetler

MILFORD — The deadline is just over 24 hours away and two people have thrown their hats into the ring to fill the vacancy on the Milford Town Council.

Joseph Allen Shetler filed his candidacy with Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Ragan. He will go against Kenneth L. Long who filed earlier in the week.

The deadline for any person who resides in the town limits of Milford, a Republican in good standing and to not have a felony in their background is 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15. The caucus will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, in the Milford Town Hall.

Shetler is no stranger to Milford, even though he has resided in town for only the past five years. For 30 plus years, Shetler was the town’s building commissioner, until he retired and went to Jamaica as a missionary for 2 1/2 years. Shetler and his wife, Ellen, moved into town when they returned.

“I thought I might enjoy doing it,” Shetler stated, noting he knows the town and community. “I’m a service type of person. I love the people in town and I’m a practical minded person. I like to get involved.”

The Shetlers have four daughters living from South Bend to San Diego, Calif., and 12 grandchildren.

Prior to moving to Milford, Shetler lived in Elkhart County, just across the county line, for approximately 40 years and owned Shetlers Heating and Air Conditioning.