RACES HAVE DEVELOPED FOR MOST SCOTT OFFICES

BENTON -- It's not easy getting re-elected. Most Scott County officeholders face opposition in their re-election bids.

With several weeks to go before the filing period ends, only County Collector Tom Marshall and Treasurer H.J. "Cotton" Holyfield are unopposed for re-election.

Three-way contests have developed for Scott County associate commissioner District 2, prosecuting attorney and county clerk.

In the county commissioner race, incumbent Joe Spalding of Benton faces opposition from Dewaine Shaffer of Chaffee and Everett Holder of Scott City.

Shaffer previously served on the county commission before losing to Spalding six years ago. Holder ran unsuccessfully four years ago for presiding commissioner.

Prosecuting Attorney Cristy Baker-Neel faces opposition from Sikeston attorney Frank Marshall and former assistant prosecuting attorney Bob Gowen of Sikeston.

In the county clerk race, the candidates are Tom Beardslee, chief deputy at the Scott County Sheriff's Department; Rita Milam of Benton, who serves as chief deputy county clerk; and Shirley Tetley of rural Sikeston.

Longtime County Clerk Bob Kielhofner is seeking to unseat Durward Dover as presiding commissioner. Dover is completing his eighth year in office.

In District 1, Associate Commissioner Walter Bizzell faces a challenge from Lloyd Evans of Sikeston.

The contest for recorder of deeds pits Oran farmer Tom Dirnberger against Joel "Chuck" Bollinger of Scott City. Bollinger is the son of incumbent John Bollinger.

In the circuit clerk's race, incumbent Barbara Criss is challenged by deputy clerk Pam Glastetter of Benton.