Deputy challenges sheriff for election in Winnebago County

     Winnebago County Sheriff Dave Peterson is seeking his second term in office this November, but Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Hepperly has his eyes on the job, as well. Peterson, of Lake Mills, is running as a Republican, while Hepperly, from Thompson, is running as a Democrat.

     Peterson is a graduate of Buffalo Center Community School. He received military police training and is a graduate of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Peterson has served as military police officer, Forest City police officer, Winnebago County deputy, Winnebago County chief deputy, and as Winnebago County Sheriff for four years – totaling 39 years in law enforcement.

     Hepperly is a 1984 graduate of Mason City High School, and he earned his AA degree in law enforcement from NIACC in 1986. He received his Iowa peace officer certification from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1990. Hepperly served as a police officer reserve for the Mason City Police Dept. from 1985-87. He was a correctional officer/jailer with the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office from 1985-89. He worked as a police officer with the Manly Police Dept. from 1989-92, and he has been a deputy sheriff with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Dept. since 1992.

     Read more about the candidates in this week's Tribune.