By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Two candidates will vie for the First District seat on the Ellis County Commission in the Aug. 5 primary.

Martha “Marcy” McClelland and Lyle Johnston, both Republicans, both filed their paperwork and paid the fee with the Ellis County Clerk’s office before Monday’s noon filing deadline.

McClelland, who is a member of the Planning and Zoning Committee said she believes Ellis and other counties in the area need to a better job of keeping young people in western Kansas.

Johnston, who is currently the mayor of Ellis, filed last month. He said he believes there is a continued need for quality representation for the Ellis area at the county level.

The position is currently held by Swede Holmgren.

The primary election is Aug. 5.