MISSISSIPPI CANDIDATES FILE FOR ELECTION

CHARLESTON -- There was a flurry of activity in the Mississippi County Clerk's office Tuesday for the first day of filings for county elections scheduled for Nov. 7.

A number of candidates filed for seven positions when the county clerk's office opened, and several others completed applications during the afternoon. In all, 11 Democrats announced their candidacies on the first day of filings, creating a need for at least two primary elections on Aug. 8.

No Republican candidates filed for office Tuesday. Candidates may file for county elections through 5 p.m. March 28.

Incumbent Homer Oliver of Charleston will run for another term as First District County Commissioner. Challengers will include Tom Green, Clay Shelby and John Goodin, all Charleston residents.

Harold Lemons of East Prairie is one of two candidates to file for the Second District Commissioner seat currently held by Martin Lucas. Ricky Penrod of East Prairie, who is currently the county coroner, also filed for Lucas' position. Lucas did not refile Tuesday for another term.

Sheriff Larry Turley of Bertrand will run for another term, as will Public Administrator Buddy Marshall of Charleston. Incumbent Bill Thompson of Charleston will vie for the assessor's position against Rebecca Presson of East Prairie.

The county's surveyor position is currently unfilled. No candidacies for that position were announced Tuesday.