Stutzman Elected To Clay Township Trustee Position

December 27, 2023 at 9:10 p.m.
Kosciusko County Republican Central Committee Secretary Austin Rovenstine swears in Stephanie Stutzman into the Clay Township trustee position Wednesday. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union
Kosciusko County Republican Central Committee Secretary Austin Rovenstine swears in Stephanie Stutzman into the Clay Township trustee position Wednesday. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union

By JACKIE GORSKI Lifestyles Editor

CLAYPOOL – Stephanie Stutzman was voted into the Clay Township trustee position by the Republican caucus at the Claypool Lions Building Wednesday.
The position became vacant as Jacob Metzger resigned from the position effective Dec. 31.
Wednesday, Stutzman went up against Spencer Bartlett for the position. Precinct committee members were Helen Brown and Brian Pyle.
Before voting occurred, Stutzman and Bartlett were able to speak before the caucus.
Stutzman said she is a longtime resident of Claypool. She has always been a big advocate of her hometown rural community. She was raised on a farm south of town and she has done the same with her family.
“With my family dear and near to my heart,” Stutzman said she was sure she could take the familiar issues the arise in the township. Working at Claypool Elementary School, she said she sees the issues that affect the township’s kids every day. She said she hopes to be there to help them when an issue arises.
She said she puts kids and family first.
She also has volunteered with various organizations. She was a 4-H co-leader for 10 years. She was also on the agriculture board for the local Future Farmers of America chapter.
With a connection to the Claypool Fire Department with husband Tommy being the assistant fire chief, she said the local first responders, fire department and police are prioritized. As a former corrections officer, she said that was important to her, too.
She wants to make sure the town is presentable to its residents, as well as others. She also wants to make sure the town is organized.
Bartlett said Stutzman came better prepared than he did. For himself, Bartlett said he has been a Kosciusko County resident for 20 years. He lives outside of town with his wife and four kids. He said he loves the country and Constitution. As he has not held a public office before, the experience is new to him.
Professionally, he works as a software and technology consultant.
On a side note, Bartlett said he thought Stutzman would be an awesome trustee. She has the local history here and has experiences that may benefit the position.
When asked what she thought of being elected into the trustee position, Stutzman said she was ready to serve the township and do what’s best. She hopes to help the township as much as she can.


CLAYPOOL – Stephanie Stutzman was voted into the Clay Township trustee position by the Republican caucus at the Claypool Lions Building Wednesday.
The position became vacant as Jacob Metzger resigned from the position effective Dec. 31.
Wednesday, Stutzman went up against Spencer Bartlett for the position. Precinct committee members were Helen Brown and Brian Pyle.
Before voting occurred, Stutzman and Bartlett were able to speak before the caucus.
Stutzman said she is a longtime resident of Claypool. She has always been a big advocate of her hometown rural community. She was raised on a farm south of town and she has done the same with her family.
“With my family dear and near to my heart,” Stutzman said she was sure she could take the familiar issues the arise in the township. Working at Claypool Elementary School, she said she sees the issues that affect the township’s kids every day. She said she hopes to be there to help them when an issue arises.
She said she puts kids and family first.
She also has volunteered with various organizations. She was a 4-H co-leader for 10 years. She was also on the agriculture board for the local Future Farmers of America chapter.
With a connection to the Claypool Fire Department with husband Tommy being the assistant fire chief, she said the local first responders, fire department and police are prioritized. As a former corrections officer, she said that was important to her, too.
She wants to make sure the town is presentable to its residents, as well as others. She also wants to make sure the town is organized.
Bartlett said Stutzman came better prepared than he did. For himself, Bartlett said he has been a Kosciusko County resident for 20 years. He lives outside of town with his wife and four kids. He said he loves the country and Constitution. As he has not held a public office before, the experience is new to him.
Professionally, he works as a software and technology consultant.
On a side note, Bartlett said he thought Stutzman would be an awesome trustee. She has the local history here and has experiences that may benefit the position.
When asked what she thought of being elected into the trustee position, Stutzman said she was ready to serve the township and do what’s best. She hopes to help the township as much as she can.


Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Public Occurrences 02.11.25
County Jail Bookings The following people were arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:

Leesburg Council Approves Purchase Of Air Purification System
LEESBURG — Leesburg Town Council voted to purchase an air purification system as a solution to the ongoing sewer odor coming from the main pumping station.

Sponsor A Team For Warsaw Education Foundation’s 2025 Community Quiz Bowl
The Warsaw Education Foundation (WEF) announced the upcoming 2025 Community Quiz Bowl, a team-building event that promises an evening of knowledge, fun, and friendly competition.

Triton School Board Learns About Event, Student Project
BOURBON – Superintendent Jeremy Riffle informed the Triton School Board Monday of one event and one student project going on in the school corporation.

Pierceton Council Approves Bid For Street Paving
PIERCETON — Pierceton Town Council approved a bid from Phend & Brown for street paving work during a meeting Monday.