The offices of sheriff and district attorney in Schuylkill County are up for election with the two major political parties seeking nomination of candidates in the Municipal Primary Election, which will be held Tuesday, May 21. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. There is also nomination for a magisterial district judge seat.

Sheriff Joseph G. Groody, Ashland, is seeking the nomination of the Democrat party in his quest for a second four year term and has no opposition. Groody became sheriff when he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of Francis McAndrew, who resigned to become a county commissioner. Before becoming sheriff Groody was a police officer for many years in his hometown.District Attorney Karen Byrnes Noon, also of Ashland, who grew up in Pottsville, is also running on the Democratic ballot seeking her first four year term. She was appointed district attorney two years ago when James P. Goodman resigned to become a county judge. She also has no opposition. Byrnes was an assistant district attorney before being elevated to the top position.The two candidates running on the Republican ballot also have no opposition.PatrickM. Reynolds, of Branchdale, Branch Township. He is a 27 year veteran of the U.S. Army and served in a variety of capacities including that of military policeman. Currently he is a state constable and works through the magisterial district court system.Seeking the party's nomination for district attorney is Attorney Christine A. Holman, of Barnesville, who is making her second bid for the office. She ran against Goodman four years ago. Holman is an experienced trial lawyer and is currently an assistant county solicitor.The only office to be filled on a state level is for Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court and there is a contest on the Democratic ballot between Joseph C. Walters Jr., Philadelphia County, and Jack McVay Jr., Allegheny County., The Republican candidate is Vic Stabile, Cumberland County, and he has no opposition.DJ raceDistrict Judge Carol Pancake is retiring at the end of the year and four candidates are seeking to succeed her in the Magisterial District 212-03-04 which includes the townships of Barry, Branch, Cass, Eldred, Foster, Frailey, Hegins, Hubley, Pine Grove, Reilly, Tremont, Upper Mahantongo, and Washington, and the boroughs of Pine Grove, Tower City, and Tremont. The candidates can run on both tickets and all four chose to do so. One is to be nominated on each ballot. It is a six year term.The order they appear on the Republican ballot are as follows:David J. Rosse, Washington Township; Laine Mack, Tremont; Daniel L. Daub, Tower City; and Keith Hoppes, Tower City.The order of appearance on the Democratic ballot are as follows:Mack, Rossi, Daub, and Hoppes.