Township Trustee and Deputy Auditor vying for Dubois County Treasurer position

Deputy Auditor Sheryl Sendelweck and Madison Township Trustee Cathy “Kitty” Merkley are both seeking the Dubois County Treasurer position held by Chad Blessinger the past eight years.

Sendelweck, 57, is running as the Democratic nominee. She is a Jasper High School graduate who earned a business management degree from Vincennes University.

For over 29 years she worked for Kimball International and MasterBrand Cabinets. During those years, she served as risk manager, financial services supervisor and also personnel manager.

For the past eight years, she has served as first deputy in the Dubois County Auditor’s Office with primary responsibilities of payroll and benefits for 300 employees.

“Since I started working for the county in 2008 as Chief Deputy Auditor, I have had the desire to expand my involvement in county government,” she said. “I want to do my part and contribute to this community and with my experience in both business and county government I felt very qualified to serve as Dubois County Treasurer.”

Sendelweck is also involved in local organizations including, Optimists International, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Ireland Sportsman Club. She is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Ireland.

Whether working or volunteering, Sendelweck explained that dedication, hard work and teamwork are essential for success.

Regarding future challenges the county is facing, Sendelweck says the deficit the county has faced over the past few years will have to be addressed.

“The budget is the biggest concern. With the intake of monies being reduced, we have to spend the money wisely,” she said. “I would like to see the county come up with a long term business and budget plan. I think we should be more proactive where we can instead of reacting at budget time.”

Sendelweck is a lifelong resident of Jasper. She is the daughter of the late Allen and Lucille (Scherle) Fleck. She has been married to Bob Sendelweck for 34 years. They have two daughters, Tara, married to Luke Schnaus and Whitney, married to Ryan Craig. They also have two granddaughters.

Merkley, 47, is the Republican nominee for the position. She currently works at the Dubois County Health Department. She was elected as a Madison Township Trustee two years ago and says that experience inspired her to seek the treasurer position.

“Two years ago I ran for trustee and after a lot of hard work and determination I won. Serving the people of Madison Township has been really rewarding and is something I really enjoy,” she explained. “Now, I have the opportunity to use my time, energy and talents to serve an even greater number of Dubois County residents.”

Merkley holds a Paralegal Certificate from the American Academy of Paralegal Studies in Chicago, Illinois in 1991. In 2001, she earned an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Vincennes University in Vincennes.

She has served in leadership roles in parent-teacher organizations at Fifth Street School, Jasper Middle School and Jasper High School as well as for track and cross country booster clubs. She served as both vice-president and president of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“I have been a small business owner, I’m an avid volunteer and an active member of the community serving in several leadership roles. I am extremely hard working, motivated, and trustworthy,” Merkley said. “That along with the fact that I am already an elected official entrusted with annual budgeting, collection and disbursement of public funds, and managing the Ireland Volunteer Fire Department funds is what makes me qualified to be the next Dubois County Treasurer.”

Regarding her concerns about the future of the county, Merkley says a balanced budget tops the list.

“If elected, I will continue Chad Blessinger’s work to collect unpaid property taxes,” she said. “I’d like to really promote online tax paying in order to cut down on overhead expenses, and I’ll focus on investing tax payer dollars in order to maximize return on invested funds.”

Merkley and her husband, Dennis, live in Madison Township and are the parents of three adult children, J. Kyle Merkley, a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University now living in Dallas, Texas; Kevin A. Merkley, a member of the United States Air Force; and, Mariya C.L. Merkley, a freshman at Western Kentucky University.

“I’m committed to serving the taxpayers with accuracy, timeliness, fairness, integrity, accountability, and above all outstanding customer service. I will apply the same level of dedication to this position as I am to trying to earn it, you can count on that. That is why I hope voter’s will come out and support me on November 8th,” she added.