Harrison County sets July 1 hearing in primary‑election contest

The Harrison County Commission on June 17 adopted a scheduling order for a primary‑election contest filed by Laura Kimball, fixing key deadlines and a tentative hearing date.

Commission President read the dates the commission approved: the hearing and trial are tentatively scheduled for July 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.; witness disclosure and exhibit disclosure deadlines were set for June 26 at 3:00 p.m.; pre‑hearing/trial motions were also due June 26 at 3:00 p.m.; and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law are due July 6 at 3:00 p.m. Counsel for both sides participated remotely during the scheduling discussion.

Trey Zimmerman, speaking for the record as legal counsel, recommended reading the draft scheduling order and running the critical dates with proposed counsel because deadlines are approaching. "I would recommend... go through the dates with proposed counsel in the draft scheduling order," Zimmerman said.

Carly King and Mark Atkins appeared on behalf of Tim McNeely and acknowledged they had no objection after reviewing the proposed dates. The commission approved the scheduling order and authorized fixing signatures to the order.

What happens next: Parties must meet the filing deadlines set for June 26 and be prepared to proceed on July 1 at 1 p.m. as the commission has set aside the afternoon for hearing motions and evidentiary presentation. The county clerk was directed to prepare hearing logistics and to notify the parties and the public as required.