By TIM GULLA
Ledger Staff Writer
tim@gaffneyledger.com

Cherokee County will have a new sheriff in 2011 in the wake of Sheriff Bill Blanton's announcement late Monday afternoon that he will not be seeking another term in office.
Blanton, who has been Cherokee County's sheriff since 1990, broke the news to sheriff's office employees and deputies during a staff meeting late Monday afternoon.
Blanton wasn't available for an interview, but confirmed his plans in a written statement.
"After careful thought and prayer with my wife, Pam, I have decided not to seek re-election," he wrote.
"After 36 years with the sheriff's office, we feel that it's time for new challenges and new ideas for the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. Therefore I will not seek a sixth term as sheriff."
Blanton noted that he had been with the Sheriff's Office since October 1974, and spent the last 19 years as sheriff.
"This has been a very difficult decision but we feel a right one," he wrote.
He did not provide any additional details in his written statement.
Blanton's seat is up for election this year and several veteran law enforcement professionals were expected to contend for the seat, even before Blanton's announcement.