FEW MUNICIPAL RACES SET IN AREA

SIKESTON -- few races have developed, but many more offices are still in need of candidates as filing continues for city offices in most area communities.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to file for the city offices to be filled at the April 4 general election.

Sikeston

Sikeston, which is set up to have a primary if enough candidates file, will bypass this moving directly to the general election with only one candidate seeking the open seat on the City Council. Placing his name on the list prior to the closing of filing in December was Mike Marshall, who will fill a two-year term. Councilman Alan Keenan did not file for re-election.

Miner

In Miner, Terry Cole is seeking a two-year term as mayor, and Mitchell Thompson has indicated his intent to continue to fill a one-year unexpired term as Ward 1 alderman. Both were appointed to the offices.

In Ward 1, for a two-year term, Kathy Walters and Donna Thomas have filed for the seat held by Steve Hampton. No one has filed for the two-year term open in Ward 2 held by Tom Brock.

Benton

In Benton, there are two openings for two-year terms in Wards 1 and 2. Barry Urhahn has filed for the Ward 1 position; James Arteme will seek re-election in Ward 2.

Oran

In Oran, four seats are open on the Board of Alderman, with only Ward 3 Alderwoman Jean Neal filing for re-election. In addition to the three aldermanic seats without candidates, no one has filed yet to serve as mayor. Marcia Roslin, the incumbent city collector, has filed for re-election. All of the city offices are two-year terms.

Morley

In Morley, three offices mayor and aldermen from the town's two wards will be filled in April.

Wilma Smith is the candidate for mayor; Ron Cookson has filed for re-election in Ward 2. In Ward 2, Hallie Granville has indicated she will not seek another term and Jay C. May and Franklin D. Berry have filed her position.

Bertrand

In Bertrand, Ward 1 Alderman James Baker will face a challenge in April from Sonya McKinley for the two-year term on the board. Running unopposed thus far is Betty Harper, who represents Ward 2.

Charleston

In Charleston, filing has closed for the two three-year terms open on the City Council. Glennon Johnson is seeking re-election and faces challengers Michael Jones, James Conn and Marshall Currin. Incumbent councilman Brett Matthews did not file.

East Prairie

In East Prairie, three openings on the Board of Alderman will be filled in April. The seats are held by Ward 1 Alderman Gene Ditto, Ward 2 Alderman Harold Lemons and Ward 3 Alderman Sam Duvall. Ditto has filed for re-election, and Lemons is seeking his first full-term after being appointed to the post earlier. No one has yet filed for the two-year term open in Ward 3.

Lilbourn

In Lilbourn, a race for mayor has developed, with Mayor Larry Joe Hamilton facing Frank Ash. Filing so far without opposition for re-election are City Collector Yvonne Morgan, Municipal Judge Richard Kolwyck, Ward 1 Alderman Robert Taylor and Ward 2 Alderman Larry Joe Holtzhouser.

Matthews

In Matthews, a one-year unexpired term as city marshal and two spots on the aldermen positions of Danny Parker and John Mark Gardner will be filled in April. Thus far, the sole candidate is Steve Barnett who wants to serve as city marshal.

Marston

In Marston, a race has developed to represent town's north ward with Robert Silman challenging incumbent Marilyn Thomason. Running without challengers are Dennis Young, who has filed to serve as police judge; Paul Haubold, who is seeking the mayor's post; and South Ward Alderman Bob Penman.

Morehouse

In Morehouse, no one has filed for a one-year unexpired term as police judge; however, there are candidates for the two-year terms of Ward 1 and Ward 2 aldermen, with Teri Eaker filing in Ward 1 and Gerald Williams in Ward 2.

New Madrid

In New Madrid, only incumbents have filed, with some spots still without candidates. Mayor Mark Baker, Police Judge Bill Boyd, Ward 1 Alderman Dick St. Mary and Ward 2 Alderman Russell Riggs are seeking re-election to two-year terms. The office of city collector, held by Sherry Phillips, and Ward 3 alderman, filled by Glen Medlin, do not yet have candidates for the posts.

Portageville

Kathy Klipfel, appointed to the Board of Alderman from Ward 2, is seeking a full two-year term, but no one has filed yet for the opening as Ward 1 alderman, held by Perry Pikey. William "Bill" Foster is seeking another term as municipal court judge.

Puxico

In Puxico, voters face a three-way race for the Ward 1 seat. Dayna Zoll, Geanne Hancock and Phyllis Ford are seeking the post.