Last Douglas candidates trickle in

Primaries for Douglas County races will include one for Douglas County Commission District 4 between Republicans Janet Murphy and Nancy McDermid and for Douglas County Public Administrator between Republican incumbent Lynn EnEarl and challenger Jay Lather.

The primary election will be Aug. 15, but the most contentious races this election season in Douglas County will be in the improvement districts.

No one signed up to challenge most of the countywide leadership slots.

Among those without an opponent are Assessor Doug Sonnemann who Friday had his thumb wrapped up in blue tape from a "puppy-sitting" injury when he came into the county clerk's office after it closed at 5 p.m. to check on his status. Sonnemann will be going to the doctor for his thumb next week, but he won't be campaigning since no one filed against him.

Sheriff Ron Pierini and Douglas County District Attorney candidate Mark Jackson were at the J.T. Basque Bar & Dining to celebrate their victory with family and friends.

Other office holders who won't face opposition include Recorder Werner Christen, Clerk-Treasurer Barbara J. Griffin Reed, East Fork Constable Paul Gilbert, all four Douglas school board incumbents, incumbents on the Minden and Gardnerville town boards and the members of the Minden Gardnerville Sanitation District.

Besides the primary winners, going to the general election will be Douglas County District 2 Commissioner David Brady, who is being challenged by former valley broadcaster Lloyd Higuera. Also on the ballot in November will be East Fork Justice of the Peace Jim EnEarl and challenger, Minden attorney Kelly Chase.

There will also be races for Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District, Indian Hills General Improvement District and East Fork Swimming Pool District, all of which had more candidates than openings.