By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

In Brown, Hancock and Pike counties, the surprise isn't who filed for countywide offices, but who didn't.

Two long-time officials -- Brown County Sheriff Gerald Kempf and Pike County Board Chairman Scott Syrcle -- aren't seeking re-election. But Syrcle does want another county office.

Syrcle opted to seek the county treasurer's job instead of another term on the County Board, where he has served for 17 years, the past seven years as chairman.

"It's just time to move on," said Syrcle, who has worked for Area Disposal for 25 years and served 19 years on the Hardin Township Board. "I'm just looking in a new direction. After you get to be 50 years old, you look at a change in your life."

Syrcle said he thought about making a run for treasurer four years ago but decided against it.

"I've dealt with county finances all my years on the board. I've got a grasp of it," he said. "I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of our county."

Syrcle said he will leave the County Board in good hands -- with an ambulance service in the black and an enhanced 911 system.

In Brown County, Kempf will retire Dec. 15 after 41 years in law enforcement -- 30 with the Illinois State Police and 11 with the Sheriff's Department.

"It's just time for me to move on," said Kempf, who will turn 62 in February. "It's all I've known for 41 years. I guess it will take time to get used to it."

The County Board will appoint someone to serve the remainder of Kempf's term, about 11 months. Chief Deputy Tom Snowden, who filed for sheriff, is a likely choice, and his familiarity with the department "makes for a lot better transition," Kempf said.

-- dhusar@whig.com/221-3379