Park County Republicans will have a packed ballot to choose from in this year's primary election when it comes to the county commission.As of Wednesday afternoon — just two days prior to Friday's 5 p.m. filing deadline — a dozen GOP candidates had filed to run for the three open seats on the Park County commission.

Sitting commissioners Bill Brewer of Cody, Tim French of the Heart Mountain area, and Jill Shockley Siggins of the South Fork Valley are all running for re-election. They're facing challenges from Ted Davey of Meeteetse, Vicki Gibson of rural Powell, Karla Gitlitz of rural Meeteetse, Loren Grosskopf of Cody, Chad Miner ofeast Park County, Fred Reynolds of the South Fork Valley, Joe Tilden of the South Fork, A.M. “Hank” Whitelock of Cody, and Bill Yetter of Meeteetse.

Additionally, Faith Wicks of Powell has filed to run for the commission as a Democrat, bringing the total number of commission candidates to 13.

As of Wednesday, the county's other elected offices had drawn only one candidate each.

Current Park County Attorney Bryan Skoric, a Republican from the North Fork Valley, filed for re-election, as did current County Clerk Kelly Jensen, a Cody Democrat; Clerk of District Court Joyce Boyer, a Cody Republican; Coroner Tim Power, a Cody Republican; and Sheriff Scott Steward, who lives west of Ralston.

Republican Barb Poley, a Cody banker, was the only declared candidate for County Treasurer, and Republican Pat Meyer of Cody, now a Deputy County Assessor, was the lone filer for the County Assessor's position. Current Treasurer Nena Graham-Burke and Assessor Doug Brandt had both previously said they would not be seeking re-election.

In races for the state legislature, three Republicans have filed for the House District 25 seat, which represents the Powell area: incumbent Dave Bonner of Powell, the publisher of the Powell Tribune; David Kellett of rural Powell, a small business owner and Tea Party organizer; and Gerry Parker of Deaver, the preacher at the Powell Church of Christ.

Three Cody Republicans — Sam Krone, Steve Simonton and Jason Whitman — have filed for the House District 24 seat currently held by Colin Simpson, R-Cody, who is not seeking re-election as he runs for governor.

Local legislators Pat Childers, R-Cody, of House District 50; Elaine Harvey, R-Lovell, of House District 26; and Ray Peterson, R-Cowley, of Senate District 19, were all running unopposed in their bids for re-election as of Wednesday.

The filing period for the Aug. 17 primary election ballot, which covers all partisan and municipal races, began May 13 and runs through May 28.

Two Powell council seats uncontested

There's still time to run for three available positions on the Powell City Council.

As of Wednesday, five residents had filed for the three available seats on the Powell council.

Current Ward 3 Councilman Rex Sanders will seek re-election, and Myron Heny and Tim Sapp also have filed for the Ward 3 seat.

The incumbent for Ward 2, Councilman John Wetzel, also is seeking re-election.

Recently-appointed Councilman Steve Scott has filed for the Ward 1 seat. Scott was appointed to the council earlier this month following the resignation of Josh Shorb, who moved to a home outside of Ward 1's boundaries.

As of Wednesday, Ward 1 and 2 seats were uncontested, said City Clerk Ardyce Busboom.

Residents interested in running for the Powell City Council have until 5 p.m. Friday to file at City Hall.