Opening Day Filings in Effingham County

Changes are on the way in countywide offices in Effingham County.

Some of the changes are due to decisions by incumbents not to seek re-election.

Both Effingham County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel and Effingham County Treasurer Paula Miller have decided not to seek another term in office.

Hirtzel will be concluding 20 years in office, first having been elected in 2002. 

Miller will complete one term as County Treasurer when departing after the November election, but she will be completing 33-1/2 years of service in the Treasurer's office. She said it's been an honor to serve residents of the county, but said leaving office will give her more time to spend with family members she hasn't seen much of in recent years.

A current member of the County Clerk's office staff filed Monday morning as a candidate for the Republican nomination as clerk. Michelle Kollman of Altamont is seeking to succeed Hirtzel.

Meanwhile, the first to file for County Treasurer was Deborah Ruholl, who filed as a Republican. Ruholl currently works in the County Office Building as County Board Secretary.

Another filing Monday morning was expected. Paul Kuhns, who was appointed County Sheriff following the retirement of Dave Mahon June 1, 2021, filed for a full term. He also filed as a Republican precinct committeeperson for Mason Township. 

The other Monday morning filing was that of Doug McCain, who filed for another term on the County Board from District G. McCain is currently the only Democrat serving on the county board.

The filing period runs through next Monday, March 14.

The primary election will take place in June, while the general election is set for November.