WINONA LAKE - Caleb France has filed for the vacant Ward 3 Winona Lake Town Council seat.
Jim Lancaster, who previously held the seat, resigned Aug. 3 and submitted his resignation letter to Retha Hicks, Winona Lake clerk-treasurer.
Lancaster relocated to the Netherlands to take on an international assignment with Biomet.
France is owner of Cerulean Restaurant and Flying Fish Catering, Winona Lake, and lives in the town with his wife, Courtney.
He has been involved with downtown development and restoration through CFL Development, a company he owns.
France said he has owned Cerulean Restaurant since 2006, and it has allowed him to be involved in the town.
"My passion is the well-being of the town and I care about it and want to be a part of helping it grow and thrive and making it a vibrant place to live and work," France said.
Hicks said she notarized France's declaration of candidacy form Wednesday.
Randy Girod, Kosciusko County GOP chairman, said he received France's declaration form today.
A caucus will be held Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. at Winona Lake Town Hall to fill Lancaster's seat.
Candidates interested in applying for the seat have until Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. to file with Girod.
Declaration of candidacy forms are now available at the Kosciusko County Clerk's Office, 121 N. Lake St.
Precinct committee members Dave Wolkins, R. Wayne Snider, Janice Workman and Karen Wildman will select a person to fill the vacancy.
The person selected to fill Lancaster's seat will join council president Terry Howie, councilmen Randy Swanson, Joy Lohse and Sue Gooding.
