Bollinger County elects new prosecutor

Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Gray lost his bid for re-election Tuesday night. Newcomer Heath Robins of southern Bollinger County unseated Gray by a vote of 1,548 to 883.

"I worked hard," Robins said Tuesday night after the ballots were counted. "It's a vast county. There's a lot of area to cover."

Robins said he was elated with his win, and looks forward to assuming the office in January.

Although there were four challengers, incumbent presiding commissioner Travis Elfrink came out on top in the primary and will face Ronald Davis during the general election in November. Elfrink drew 1,098 votes followed by Ronald Reagan with 659, Kenny Trentham with 497, Larry Fadler with 497 and Chris Lape with 117.

"I'm very grateful and honored for the voters' support," Elfrink said. "It makes me feel that all I have been trying to do the last four years has been appreciated."

A new face will occupy the office of clerk, but Brittany Hovis is no stranger to it. She has been assistant county clerk the past seven years. She defeated challenger Misty Stevens 1,797 to 821.

"I feel amazing," Hovis said. "I worked really hard for it. I hope I make everyone proud and will do my best."

Sonya Fulton will take over in January as Bollinger County collector, replacing longtime collector Bob Anderson, who is retiring. Fulton was unopposed.

Voter turnout in Bollinger County was substantial, with 2,928 ballots cast.

Other county offices were uncontested. At the 32nd circuit judge level, Michael Gardner led with 1,040 votes; Allen Moss had 866, and Trae Bertrand won 659 votes.

On the statewide ballot issues, Bollinger County voters voted 2,198 to 646 in favor of the right-to-farm amendment and 2,221 to 534 for the right to carry.

Bollinger County voters said no to Amendment 7, the sales tax for Missouri roads, 1,797 to 1,025. They also said no to the veterans' lottery ticket amendment, 1,4431 to 1,310, and yes to the electronic privacy amendment, 2,139 to 598.