By Deb Patterson
Staff Writer

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kimberly Cates and William “Bill” Dixon, both of Syracuse, and Frank Rhoades, Pierceton, have filed their declaration of candidacy for the Kosciusko County Council District 1 seat. The vacancy was left due to the resignation of Doug Heinisch, Syracuse on May 18.

Declaration of candidacy can be filed up until 6 p.m. Thursday, June 3. The caucus of Republican Precinct Committeemen in District 1 will be at 6 p.m. Monday, June 7, in the Syracuse Town Hall, 310 N. Huntington St., Syracuse.

Cates served on the county council as an at-large councilwoman for 3 1/2 years filling the remaining term of Bob Sanders.  “I love what I did. I loved being involved with the state legislative committee and seeing bills that were presented or read and how they affected counties. I liked being a part of that process,” said Cates.

She has served on the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board for six years and president of the Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory Advisory Board for six years. She has also served as a Republican precinct chair for over 13 years. She serves on other local, state and international board of directors and committees. Additionally she has been involved in business management, tax preparation for 35 years and marketing for 20 years.

Bill Dixon, Syracuse, could not be reached for comment.

Frank Rhoades is a Pierceton native and resides on the family farm, north of Pierceton. He is owner of several businesses in the county that deal with high pressure power washing, generators, and since the mid-1980s is president/founder/CEO of Cottage Watchman Security System.

Rhoades has served as precinct committeeman since the early 1990s and has been engaged locally with the residents.

He noted he has received his training to serve on the county council from the school of hard knocks and believes he has something to offer the residents and other council members. “We have a great team of people working (on the council) who care and are conservative. The bottom line is I want to be a part of that team.” Rhoades noted he is not coming into the position with any agenda or ax to grind on any topic or matter. “I want to help the council continue doing a good job.”

There are 14 precincts in the area served by District 1. These precincts include Plain Precincts 1 and 4, four precincts in Tippecanoe Township, six precincts in Turkey Creek Township and Washington Precincts 1 and 2.