Mark Eichholz News Today

Five Cole County officials gathered at the courthouse Friday morning to be sworn into their offices. The Division I courtroom on the third floor of the historic building was full of friends, family and colleagues supporting the elected officials.

Mark Eichholz, officially the new Cole County circuit clerk, was sworn in to his new position in a brief ceremony Thursday at the Cole County Circuit Court.

Republican incumbent Sam Bushman successfully defended his seat Tuesday in the Cole County presiding commissioner race.

The incoming Cole County circuit clerk is asking for a state audit of the office because he alleges some funds were misappropriated during the outgoing circuit clerks term.

In the lone contested race for an elected office in Cole County, the challenger beat the incumbent in the Aug. 2 primary.

More than a third of Cole Countys registered voters are expected to cast a ballot Tuesday.

Its the lone contested race for an elected office in Cole County on the Aug. 2 primary ballot.