Heather James the lone candidate in upcoming Winona Lake caucus

Staff Report

WINONA LAKE — The deadline to file for the Republican caucus to replace Laurie Renier after she abruptly resigned as Winona Lake clerk-treasurer, has passed — and as expected — only one person sought the job.

That would be Town Council Vice President Heather James.

Heather James

Renier resigned after a lengthy dispute with town council and had already lost in the Republican primary to James.

Even though James is the sole candidate to file, a caucus is still required to elect her to the clerk-treasurer position.

The caucus to replace Renier is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at town hall.

If  elected by the caucus, James will have to resign her position as the Ward 4 council representative and Ragan will have to call a caucus to replace James on the council for the remainder of 2023. 

Barry Andrew ran for the Ward 4 seat this year unopposed and is slated to take office Jan. 1.