Petition challenge hearings for candidate placement for the May 16 primary election began on Tuesday. Three Republican races for county positions highlighted the first day. In one Republican race for county commissioner, Ashley Duff initially had a petition registered against her disputing her employment status. The testimony turned on whether Duff was properly served notice of the challenge to her petition. The judge hearing the case stated that in Senior Judge Katherine Emery’s order, service of notice can only be completed by personal delivery or personal delivery to a candidate’s counsel. Neither criteria was met and the petition against Duff was dismissed. In a second case where incumbent prothonotary Laura Hough challenged her opponent Kevin Hill, similar criteria was heard about Hill’s employment. The testimony was irrelevant when it was presented by Hill’s counsel that Hill was not properly notified of the challenge. Hill was served a notice for Kevin Redford who is a candidate for county commissioner. Redford’s petition was challenged by Sandra Schiffauer. The judge dismissed the challenge against Hill for notice improperly delivered. In a third county race, Kevin Redford had the challenge against him withdrawn. Two other hearings were held for local races. Steve Toprani will appear as a candidate for Ringgold School Board on the Democratic ticket when his challenge was dismissed. Candidate David Carlisle, a Democratic candidate for Hopewell Township Supervisor had his challenge upheld. He did not properly file his financial statement with the township.