| By Bob Weaver
Del. Bill Stemple (Democrat) is ending his 12-year stint in the WV House of Delegates, serving the 33rd Delegate District, which includes sections of Gilmer and Clay County.
Stemple filed yesterday for Calhoun County Sheriff, leaving an opening for the House seat.
The Secretary of State's office reported yesterday that Rick W, Frame of
Normantown filed for Stemple's House seat. David Walker of Clay filed earlier.
Stemple has played a significant political role in Calhoun politics throughout his tenure in the legislature, often running and supporting other candidates for county office.
Stemple, an employee of the Morris family oil and gas interests in Grantsville, actively supported multi-millionaire oil and gas owner Loyd Jackson for governor, who was running against Joe Manchin.
When Manchin was elected and the House leadership dramatically changed, Stemple was reportedly demoted to the "political basement."
Early in his legislative career, he was a supporter of Republican governor Cecil Underwood, who had family ties to Calhoun.
Stemple, who served as Calhoun sheriff from 1989-1996, will be facing-off with former long-time sheriff, Allen Parsons and Eugene Stevens.
Well-known resident Ralph Cunningham and former school board member has filed for one of two openings for Board of Education, joining two incumbents, Joy Starcher and Cynthia Dale, who have filed.
Wayne Hardway and Norma Collins have filed for Conservation District.
Doyle Hupp, Jr. has filed for County Surveyor>
Today is the last day to filed at the County Clerk's office, but mail-ins postmarked before midnight will be accepted.
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