LOCAL PARTIES ELECT LEADERS AT MEETINGS TO REORGANIZE

JACKSON -- The Cape Girardeau County Republican and Democratic committees each held reorganizational meetings Tuesday night at the county courthouse.

Committee officers for both parties were elected to two-year terms.

County Democrats elected LaCretia Drum of Jackson chairwoman, Rick Althaus of Cape Girardeau vice chairman, Chris Edwards of Jackson secretary and Simon Ebenstein of Jackson treasurer.

Jim Shrum of rural Cape Girardeau County is the new chairman of the Democrats' state legislative committee for the 157th District. Drum is vice chair. Althaus is chairman of the 158th District committee and Sally Kerkorian of Cape Girardeau is the vice chair.

County Republicans elected Melvin Kasten of Cape Girardeau committee chairman, Phyllis Schwab of Jackson vice chairwoman, Candice Swingle of Cape Girardeau secretary, Mike Deimund of Cape Girardeau treasurer and David Barklage of Cape Girardeau assistant treasurer.