Council resident challenges incumbent Adams County sheriff

Adams County Sheriff Ryan Zollman has filed to run for re-election, according to the county clerk's office. He won't be running unchallenged.

This week, Thomas Watts also declared his candidacy. Watts lives in Council, according to his filing. He’s running as an independent, meaning he won’t face Zollman until the general election in November.

Zollman joined the Adams County Sheriff's Office in 2001. He was elected sheriff in 2012.

The sheriff's office has come under intense scrutiny since Nov. 1, when two deputies fatally shot local rancher Jack Yantis. On the recommendation of the county's insurer, those two deputies - Brian Wood and Cody Roland - remain on unpaid leave, Zollman said. They are both still living in the area, he said.

Members of the community have spoken out against Zollman calling for a challenger to step up and run against him.

This story was originally published March 12, 2016 at 6:43 PM with the headline "Council resident challenges incumbent Adams County sheriff."