MORGAN COUNTY — Candidates for the May primary had to file their campaign finance reports last Friday, covering the reporting period from Jan. 1 to April 10.
Many of the candidates had no donations or expenses to report. The candidates who have no opponents, donations or expenses have not been listed in this story.
Commissioner
Carl Gilbert lists having $7,370 in contributions during this reporting period. He had around $6,488 in the bank beginning 2026 which gave him a total of $13,858 for the year. He lists $10,302 in expenses leaving him a balance of $3,554 for the year. Contributors include John Cummings, $196; Dee Pugh, $1,000; Frank Bohnanon, $500; Diane Hubbard, $2,278 (advertising); Adam Henderson, $100; Susan Kessler, $300; Carl Gilbert, $2,700. Expenses are for advertising and signage.
Mike Kirsch began the year with $3,230 in the bank He lists contributions of $26,100 giving him a total of $29,330. He listed having $17,688 in expenses leaving him a balance of $11,642. Contributors include Ronald Tedrow, $500; Jon Clodfelter, $1,000; Gary Oakes, $1,000; J. Scott Mattingly, $250; Brad Roe, $250; Ernest Adams, $100; Richard Wienman, $1,000; Robert Ambrose, $100; Brook Hine, $500; Robert Downey, $250; Jerry Hodges, $300; Debra Schoolcraft, $200; Bradley Rozema, $150; Hugh Stull, $300; William Dunn, $2,500 (YTD); Stanley Mattila, $400; David Garrison, $100; Jesse Ghumm, $100; Sandra Fortson, $100; Benjamin Rawlins, $100; Joe Palmer, $150; H. Dave Green, $1,000; Dale Coffey, $3,500 (YTD); William and Dessire Dunn, $3,000 (YTD); Stephen Oliver, $2,000; Susan Butcher, $150; James Lanam, $500; Wes Knox, $1,000; Andrew Stafford, $1,000. Also RLH Sealcoating Inc, $250; DRP Mold Corp, $100; Wallace Construction Inc. $1,000; IN KY OH Regional Council of Carpenters Indiana, $500; Innovate Indiana PAC, $2,000; MIBOR RPAC, $3,000, Hoffman Engineering LLC, $250; Indiana Hardwood Mills, $500; Contractors Equipment and Suppliers LLC, $250; Whitney Built Contracting LLC, $100; MJJR Investments LLC, $500. Expenses are for advertising, signage, campaign management, mailers, and sponsorships.
Bethaney Latham had contributions of $16,478 during the reporting period. She had no funds in the bank on Jan. 1. She reported $9,014 in expenses leaving her a balance of $7,461. Contributors include; Angela Turley, $1,954 (YTD; this total included direct contributions and for fundraising); Bob Brown, $450; Clint Cohen, $485; Cole Frye, $200; Mike and Donna Mullin, $150; Duane Harris, $1,000; Jason Abney, $200; Julie Fred, $500; Kevin and Tonya Caplinger, $2,060; Margie Karr, $281; Mike Owens, $300; Rebecca Swinney, $200; Ron Overton, $500; Volitta Fritsche, $250; Austin Purkey, $121; Matthew and Bethaney Latham, $6,510. Expenses were for advertising, venue rental, mailers, and signage.
Council District 2
Trudy Ellis reported $932 in contributions and expenses of $932 leaving her a balance of 0 in the bank. She was the sole contributor. Her expenses are for advertising.
Melissa Green reported having $1,381 in the bank on Jan. 1. She reported receiving $200 in contributions leaving her a balance of $1,581. She reported having $315 in expenses leaving her a balance of $1,266. Contributors are Sharon Tirey and Francis J. Purcell, both contributed $100 each. Her expenses were for the GOP dinner.
Prosecutor
Cassie Mellady started 2026 with $3,454 in the bank. She has had $10,640 in contributions giving her a total of $14,094. She has had $13,242 in expenses giving her a balance of $851. Contributors include Mah Feon, $250; Jenna and Matt Bennett, $250; Gary Mellady, $5,000; Matt Muller, $40; Kim Merideth, $200; Cassie Mellady $4,700. Expenses were for advertising.
Joseph Gaunt began the year with $5,044 in the bank. He had $3,643 in contributions giving him a total of $8,687. He had expenses of $2,438 leaving him a balance of $6,248. His contributors include, Alex Robbins $200; Kimberly Pond, $130; Brian Alsip, $250; Larry and Angela Zickmond, $500; Kyle Johnson, $400; Ryan Dillon, $250; Carlos Lpm, $250; G. Allen Lidy, $1,000. Joseph Gaunt loaned his campaign $2,500. His expenses were for advertising.
Judge Superior Court I
Jerry Smith had no funds in the bank on Jan. 1. He loaned his campaign $10,040 and had expenses of $10,040. His expenses are for advertising and signage.
Dakota VanLeeuwen lists having $183 on Jan. 1. She had $23,609 in contributions and $7,512 in expenses leaving her a balance of $16,097.
Contributors include Bob and Lee Slone, $3,400; Jane Craney, $500; Suzanne Wetanson, $1,000; Daniel Vaughn, $1,500; Rosalie and Steven Luber, $1,000; Jennifer Schey, $300; Beth Sullivan Summers, $250; Tara Cragen $2,010; Heather Staggs, $100; Clint Cohen, $440; Michelle Keller, $590; Brittany Patterson, $265; Sara Dungan, $260; Lori VannLeeuwen, $497; Angie Turley, $480; Tom Gray, $200; Daniel Elliott, $500; Tonisha Jarrett, $235; Brighton Sichting, $110; Bethany Latham, $250; Deborah Champlin, $190; Morgan Collier, $150; Tamera Mclary, $700; Deirdra Panarisi, $230; Stephen Scheu, $398; Susan Lowe, $150; Hayli Davis, $150; Matt Long-OC Detailing, $275; Brad Bales, $125. Also Team Turley Fairway Mortgage, $150; Stability First, $120; Whaley Farms, $1,000; Miracle Method of Indianapolis, $999; Gabriel Luber, $150; Keller’s Office Supplies, $150; Farm Drive Valais, $150; Carpenters Union, $500; VanLeeuwen for Judge Committee, $2,215, AJM Legal, $200; Latitude 39, $250. Expenses are for advertising, venue rental, signage, T-shirts, and mailers.
Sheriff
Dan Downing showed having $5,302 in the bank as of Jan. 1. He has reported receiving $25,955 in cash and donations during the reporting period giving him a total of $31,257. He has reported expenses of $8,256 leaving him a balance of $23,000. Contributors are; Mike and Debbie Ellis, $341; Laurie Maudlin, $500; Brad Wilson, $300; Brighton Sichting, $305; Sam Hobbs, $500; Frans Hollanders, $1,000;Shawn Wooten, $500; James Teel, $260; Jacob Babbs, $155; Mark Babbs, $380; Cory and Michelle Baker, $180; Lindsey Brock, $130; Josh Bryant, $250; Kevin and Tonya Caplinger, $3,010; Ashleigh Clemons, $164; Dan and Michele Downing, $125; Joe Stallsworth, $400; Josh Ferran $220; Patricia House, $250; Joby Jordan, $250; Dana and Margie Karr, $590; Peggy Kelly, $210; Bethany Latham, $150; Susan Lowe, $120; Charlie Maxwell, $305; Nathan Ralph, $250; Jade Reed, $140; Brad Row, $200; Kayla Sellars, $95; Anglie Turley, $235; Tom Walls Sr., $625; Curtis Garage, $200; Steve Brock, $90. Following donated merchandise and/or services used during campaign; Angie Turley, $1,575; Michele Downing, $615; Vickie Littell, $40; Kathy Halterman, $300; Porch Time, $25; 1915 Steak House, $50; Gather Round BBQ, $50; Hobson Chev Chrysler Jeep, $200; Fox Cliff Golf Course, $200; Sift Bakery, $120; Donald Pennington, $1,585; Larry Ralph, $100; Eric Hoskins, $510; Red Barrell, $550; Dana and Margie Karr, $330; Darin Karr, $120; Rachelle Sellers, $30; Sherri Summers, $30; Halelgh Karr, $40; Mikayla Newkirk, $15; Shirley Karr, $30; Cedar Creek, $350; Glow by Gracie, $200; Allie Harris, $40; Brad Bales, $120; Lindsey Brock, Sydney Rose, $85; Sweet Treats, $20; Mike and Debbie Ellis, $100; Brook Lowhorn, $30; Patrick Williams, $30; Beth Hammer, $50; Steve Brock, $520; Brad Wilson, $450. Expenses are for advertising, T-shirts, signage supplies and sponsorships.
Brent Worth received $16,109 in contributions. He had $15,042 in expenses leaving him a balance of $1,076.
Contributors are Lauie Mann, $772; Annete Starnes, $412; Caleb Merriman, $463; Claudia Hayes, $103; Brent Worth, $14,358. His expenses were for campaign management, advertising, T-shirts and mailers.
Madison Township Trustee
Larry Ellis reported having $239 in contributions and expenses of $239. He is the sole contributor.
Jordan Russell received $1,200 in contributions and expenses of $1,314. His contributors are Clay Harless, $200; Joseph Jordan, $300; Ethan Stemm, $100; Mike Lang, $500; Kevin Roberts, $100. Expenses were for advertising. The campaign owes $114.
Jackson Township Trustee
Matt Davidson showed no contributions or expenses.
Daniel Eberle showed $3,800 in contributions, including Daniel Eberle, $3,100 loan; and Alan Olsen, $700. Expenses totaled $1,839 for signs, text message service and campaign supplies.
