GALENA — Jo Daviess County has a new sheriff, though the existing sheriff was the only candidate on the ballot for the primary election Tuesday.

Sheriff Craig Ketelsen retired Sunday after taking a position with the State of Illinois, according to a Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The Jo Daviess County Board voted March 10 to replace Ketelsen with Chief Deputy Klaus Kretschmer effective Monday.

“The people of this county are some of the best people I have ever met, and I was very lucky to be able to live here, raise a family here, and serve here,” said Ketelsen in the news release. “I am grateful for the support our communities have for their law enforcement, and I know the men and women who serve you feel an immense appreciation for that as well. These men and women exemplify courage, professionalism and a deep commitment to the people they serve every single day, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to stand alongside them.”

Ketelsen, who worked in law enforcement for 28 years, was the only candidate for sheriff on Tuesday’s primary ballots. Ketelsen, who was running as a Republican, had no opponent on the Democratic primary ballot, according to media reports.