LAWMAKER OBTREMBA CHALLENGED

Todd County Board member and former Todd County Sheriff Dave Kircher has decided to run for the state legislative seat now held by Mary Ellen Otremba. Kircher lives near Burtrum and has been the past president of the Minnesota Sheriff's Association, a board member of the Todd County Victim's Resource Board and a director of the Minnesota North District Missouri Synod. Kircher told the Brainerd Dispatch that if elected he would emphasize the need to cut government spending. The district includes Long Prairie and Staples. The incumbent was elected to the state legislature in 1997.