John Wheeler elected as new Cole County Sheriff

UPDATE: John Wheeler has won the Republican primary for Cole County Sheriff. He beat Randy Dampf, the closest contender, by nearly 3,000 votes. Because there is no Democrat on the ballot, Wheeler will become the next county sheriff.

In the race for Cole County Western District Commissioner, incumbent Kris Scheperle beat opponent Janet Ousley by a nearly 2-1 margin.

ORIGINAL:Cole County voters will decide on multiple issues Tuesday.

Three people are running for Cole County sheriff, as Sheriff Greg White is set to retire.

The republican candidates for sheriff include Gary Hill, John Wheeler and Randy Dampf.

Lt. Hill is currently the patrol division commander at the Cole County Sheriff’s Office. He has been with the sheriff’s office since 1998, according to his campaign website.

Capt. Wheeler has been the deputy chief of the sheriff’s office since 2005 and has been in law enforcement for more than 20 years, according to his campaign website.

Dampf is currently the chief investigator for the Cole County Prosecutor’s Office. Dampf started at the sheriff’s office in 1981 and moved to the Jefferson City Police Department in 1986, according to his campaign website. He retired from JCPD in 2014.

There are no democratic candidates for sheriff on the August 2 ballot.

Voters will also pick the next Cole County commissioner for the western district.

In the republican party, incumbent Kris Scheperle is seeking re-election against opponent Janet Ousley. There are no democratic candidates in the race.