NATCHEZ &045; With county elections only a few months away, both incumbents and challengers have thrown their hats in the ring.

As of Wednesday, both incumbent Sheriff Tommy Ferrell and challenger Ronnie Brown had qualified at the Adams County Circuit Clerk’s Office to run for sheriff.

Brown now works as a probation and parole officer with the state Department of Corrections, overseeing six offices serving 10 counties.

&uot;We’ve got good cooperation with these agencies,&uot; Brown said, referring to judges’, district attorneys’ and sheriffs’ offices and police departments. &uot;I’m bringing that with me, and I’ve got the experience.&uot;

Ferrell is running for his fifth term as sheriff, but he has been with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office since 1969 as a deputy and chief deputy.

He currently serves as president of the National Sheriff’s Association, has twice been named as president of the Mississippi Sheriffs Association and also served as president of the state Deputy Sheriffs Association.

He has also served with the Mississippi Army National Guard since 1970 and now holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. &uot;So I have the management and leadership training&uot; necessary for the job, Ferrell said.

Ferrell, who has served multiple terms as sheriff, could not be reached for comment late Thursday afternoon.

Incumbent Jason Wisner has qualified to run for a constable’s post. Wisner was elected in November to fill the unfulfilled term of Ronnie Wells, who resigned earlier last year amid charges of embezzlement and false representation.

Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Freeman qualified for the constable’s position now held by Danny Rollins.

The following incumbents also have qualified: county supervisors Darryl Grennell, Lynwood Easterling and Virginia Salmon; Circuit Clerk M.L. &uot;Binkey&uot; Vines, Chancery Clerk Tommy O’Beirne; Coroner James Lee; Tax Assessor Reynolds Atkins; Tax Collector Vernona Sanders; and Justice Court Judge Charles Vess.

Barrett Martin has qualified for the post of county attorney, a position now held by Marion Smith.

The qualifying deadline for this year’s county elections is 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Primaries will be held Aug. 5 and Aug. 26, with general elections set for Nov. 4.