The General Election in North Dakota is fast approaching and Pierce County has a couple of contested races. As Tuesday, Nov. 2 draws near, the race for Pierce County Sheriff and three positions open on the Pierce County Board of Commissioners are the most contested of local races.

The Sheriff’s race has appointed incumbent Sheriff Matt Lunde being challenged by long-time deputy sheriff Kelly Keller.

Lunde was appointed to the position of Pierce County Sheriff and took office on January 1, 2010. He was appointed to fill the term of Robert Graber who retired at the end of 2009. He has ten years experience in law enforcement.

Keller is currently serving as deputy sheriff in Oliver County. He has 23 years of law enforcement experience. This is his third attempt at running for sheriff. He ran in 2002 and again in 2006.

Both candidates have served Pierce County as deputy sheriffs at one time. Keller would like to get back into his native Pierce County to continue his law enforcement career. Lunde is raising a family here and would like to stay in the office and continue his career here.

Each candidate has a view of what needs to be done and how to accomplish those goals. For further information look inside this week’s Tribune for the candidates’ profiles.

The other highly contested race is for the districts 1,3, and 5 commissioners’ seats. The three incumbents are Joel Bohl, district 1, Richard Vetsch, district 3, and Dave Migler, district 5. Challenging these three are David Engeland, district 1, Rick Larson, district 3, and Ronald Grossman, district 5.

Bohl is seeking a second term and his opponent Engeland who served on the commission from 1994-2002 is bidding for another chance to serve. District one centers on the northeast portion of the county, including the Wolford Area.

Richard Vetsch and Rick Larson are facing off in the third district. Vetsch brings 11 years experience as a county commissioner to the race. While Larson would be bringing new blood as he is running for the first time. The third district is in the city of Rugby.

District 5 which is the largest district in Pierce County encompasses 30 townships. As in 2006, Ronald Grossman is challenging incumbent Dave Migler. Migler is running for a third term. Grossman is running for a first term.

Three other office terms are up for election this year. They are Pierce County State’s Attorney, Clerk of Court, and Pierce County Recorder. Gaylen Mack, Carla Marks, and Lori Miron are running unopposed for their respective seats.

Voters will be asked to select a Soil Conservation District Supervisor. David M. Anderson is running unopposed for that position.

In the general election voters can cross over and choose candidates regardless of political party affiliation. Voters can also write in names of candidates they would prefer.

For bios on those running for county commissioners look inside this week’s Tribune.