Beech Tree News Network

UPDATE: As of Tuesday, November 19, 2013, Doug Odle has filed his papers to run for first district magistrate.

UPDATE: As of Friday afternoon the following individuals had also filed their papers to run for elected office: Billy J. Phelps candidate for mayor of Morgantown, Richard V. West candidate for fourth district magistrate, incumbents Butler County Coroner Gerald "Marty" Jones,  and second district magistrate Johnny Tuck.

Original Story: Campaign season officially opened in Kentucky on Wednesday, and in Butler County three candidates were waiting at the Butler County Clerk’s office to make their rumored campaigns official.

Ricky Romans was the first candidate to file for the 2014 primary election. Romans submitted his papers to run for the office of Butler County Jailer. Romans is no stranger to local politics. The grandson of prominent local politico Hillery “Jimbat” Johnson, Jr., Romans  has previously sought county office, and is a former member of the Morgantown City Council.

CB Embry, Jr., Butler County’s outgoing State Representative, had papers signed on Wednesday morning to seek a seat in the Kentucky State Senate. He will officially file in Frankfort. Embry’s campaign for Senate has been no secret since redistricting of the state house meant that Embry would have been pitted against his close friend and colleague Rep. Jim DeCesare of Bowling Green.

Sherry Johnson, currently a deputy county clerk, made her run for Butler County Clerk official on Wednesday morning as well. With her family and retiring County Clerk Shirley E. Embry looking on, Johnson filed her papers to seek the office of County Clerk.

The busy election-season opening continued throughout the day at the County Clerk's office. Four incumbents filed papers to seek another term in office.

Butler County Jailer Terry Fugate (R) is seeking his fourth term as jailer.

County Judge-Executive David Fields (R), will be seeking his third term in Butler County's highest office.

First District Magistrate Stevie Givens (R) placed his name on the ballot in morning.

Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward (R), currently in his first term, will also seek reelection.

More filings are expected before the deadline of January 28, 2014.

Official filings are also expected on Wednesday for one of Kentucky’s two United States Senate seats. Incumbent Republican Mitch McConnell will be challenged in the primary election by Tea Party candidate, businessman Matt Bevin. On the Democrat side Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes will make her campaign to unseat McConnell official with her filing.

Kentucky’s primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, 2014, with the general election slated for Tuesday, November 4th, 2014.

Story by Joe K. Morris, Beech Tree News, WLBQ1570AM