TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Two local candidates have filed papers to run for Sheriff on the Republican ticket. As a result, both are now on the Aug. 9 Partisan Primary Ballot so that voters can decide which candidate will be on the November 2022 ballot as the Republican candidate. Incumbent Ken Schneider is being challenged by Grant Peterson. The winner of the Primary election will be on the November 2022 ballot as the Republican candidate where they will face off against an Independent candidate in the Fall Election.
Name: Ken Schneider
Age: 58
Family: 4 Children, 5 Grandchildren
Employment/position: Current Sheriff of Lincoln County
Past or present elected offices held, dates served: —
Membership in religious, service, fraternal, etc., clubs or organizations, and offices held, dates served: Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Committee
Why have you chosen to run for the office you seek: I was born in Merrill. My family worked a farm along with my dad’s brother and his family. I graduated from Merrill High School. My dad taught us how to work, to hunt, and to fish. The most important thing he taught us was to do what is right. I started my career working as a Corrections Officer. I was hired as a Deputy, promoted to Lieutenant, then elected Sheriff. During my career, I was a Special Response Team member, then Team Leader and then Commander. I was a Firearms Instructor, Taser Instructor, and Active Shooter Instructor. I have supervised Patrol, Communications, and the Detective Bureau. I know this agency.
This is a different election from the first one. I have not come out with a hard campaign. I am running against someone from within the agency. I did not want this election to cause division inside the agency or cause a disruption in our ability to serve the public. I saw this in the past and, win or lose, I refuse to let it happen again. For almost 32 years, I have made decisions based on what is best for the people of Lincoln County and this agency. As Sheriff for this last term, that has become much more important. Now I have a team of people that are involved in making those decisions. Sometimes those decisions are not very popular, but I believe a team is stronger than a single person. I stand behind the choices of our team. If re-elected, we will continue to make the hard decisions based on what is best for you, the people of Lincoln County.
More important than my election is the safety of the citizens. There is a nationwide shortage of people to fill positions as 911 Dispatchers and Correction Officers. These positions are critical to public safety. We are seeking dedicated and loyal citizens to join our team. We need people who want to help and protect those that live here. If you think you are up to the challenge or know someone who is, please apply on the Lincoln County website. We continue to be amazed by the amount of support the people of this County have shown us in the past. I would like to take this time to say, THANK YOU!
Name: Grant Edward Peterson
Age: 52
Family: My wife of 24 years, Tammi; daughters, Taylor (Brandon) Thurs and Paige
Brooner; five grandchildren – Amelia and Adalyn Thurs, and Emmett, Anakin, and Eli Brooner. [“Eli will be joining the family any day now.”] I also have two brothers and a sister.
Employment/position: I have been employed by Lincoln County for the past 29+ years, currently holding the rank of Lieutenant and in charge of the 911 Center. Also in the interim, I am overseeing the operations of the Detective Bureau.
Past or present elected offices held, dates served: I have not held any other elected offices.
Membership in religious, service, fraternal, etc., clubs or organizations, and offices held, dates served: My wife and I are members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Merrill. I am also a member of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, the Wisconsin Crisis Negotiators Association, former member of the Wisconsin Association of SWAT personnel, and former member of Wisconsin Traffic Safety Officer’s Association where I was on the Board of Directors and held the position of Treasurer (early to mid-2000’s). I am also a former member of the National Field Training Officers Association.
Why have you chosen to run for the office you seek: I have chosen to run for the office of Sheriff of Lincoln County for the following reasons. Morale has slipped at the Sheriff’s Office, and as an agency, we lack purpose and direction. Communications have broken down with the organization, which has caused the members of the Sheriff’s Office to feel abandoned. After overwhelming support from a large number of members of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as retired employees, I felt it was time for new leadership and a fresh set of eyes to guide the agency back on course. I will accomplish this by opening the channels of communications both within and outside of the Sheriff’s Office. Also by enhancing the working relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and our local Police Departments, and state agencies. We need to become more involved in community functions and activities. There also needs to be a deep focus on employee wellbeing, both physically and mentally, with the added consideration to employee retention.