Tuesday was the first day for candidates for county offices to file with the County Clerk’s Office.

Before the day was over, a surprise or two emerged.

Sheriff Mike Strong, a Democrat, will face a challenge from one of two Republicans who filed.

One of those Republicans is Strong’s second in command, the Undersheriff, Colonel Bill Puett.

The other GOP candidate to file Tuesday is Patrick J. Grove, a retired Kansas City police officer from St Joe.

Candidates for all county offices except Treasurer filed for office Tuesday. The primary election is August 7, and the general election is November 6.

Incumbent County Assessor Scot W. Van Meter, a Democrat, filed for reelection Tuesday. Republican Frank Still also filed for the office.

So far, incumbent Eastern and Western District Commissioners Dan Hausman and Ron Hook do not have any opposition. Both filed for office Tuesday.

Buchanan County Public Administrator Bill McMurray filed for reelection and doesn’t yet have anyone on the ballot to oppose him.

By mid afternoon Tuesday, no one had filed as a candidate for County Treasurer.