From left, current Mentone Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross and Nicki Norris, who was elected as Ross’ replacement. InkFreeNews photos by Lasca Randels.

MENTONE —  Once the votes were counted at Wednesday night’s town convention, Nicki Norris was announced as the Mentone clerk-treasurer.

The Republican convention was held in Mentone Wednesday, Aug. 21, to determine which of two Republicans will fill the open position once current Mentone Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross’ term ends Jan. 1, 2020. 

Ross announced in July that she would not be seeking re-election after serving in that position for 30 years.

Two Republicans filed for the position, Norris and Tammy Stoneburner.

Among those attending the convention were Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Ragan (L) and C. Austin Rovenstine, who serves as secretary for the party.

The town convention was needed after the town chose not to have a primary election and ended up having two Republicans file for office. State election law limits each political party to one candidate for clerk-treasurer and three candidates for council on the fall ballot.

The Mentone convention was the fourth and final needed in Kosciusko County, after voters in Pierceton, Silver Lake and Etna Green participated in GOP conventions Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Stoneburner declined to speak before the vote. Norris spoke briefly about her past work history which included formerly working as a secretary at the school and previous employment at Warsaw Chemical.

Eighteen people cast votes at the Mentone convention after Ed Rock read the guidelines of the voting process.

Rock said Norris won by “a clear majority of the votes.”

“It’s very exciting,” Norris said. “I know it’ll be a lot of work. I’ll have to spend a lot of time with Barb.”  

Norris, who has lived in Mentone for more than 30 years, has two daughters, two son-in-laws and five grandchildren. 

She will not face any opposition in the general election on Nov. 5, and will take office Jan. 1.

Jill Gross (R), Shelly Krueger (R) and Timothy Croy (D) are running for town council in the November election.