SCOTT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FACE OPPOSITION

BENTON -- All three Scott County commissioners face opposition in their re-election bids.

On the first day of filing Tuesday, all three commissioners filed for re-election as did three challengers.

Presiding Commissioner Durward Dover, who is completing his eighth year in office, filed for re-election to a third term. Opposing him is Bob Kielhofner, who is in his 24th year as county clerk.

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

In District 2, Joe Spalding is challenged by Dewaine Shaffer of Chaffee. Shaffer previously served on the county commission before losing to Spalding six years ago.

There's already a race in the circuit clerk's office. Incumbent Barbara Criss is opposed by deputy clerk Pam Glastetter of Benton.

With Kielhofner running for presiding commissioner, a contest has developed for county clerk.

Rita Milam of Benton, who currently serves as chief deputy clerk under Kielhofner, has filed for the post. Also filing was Shirley Tetley of rural Sikeston.

Oran farmer Tom Dirnberger filed for recorder of deeds.

Also filing Tuesday were incumbents David Dolan, associate circuit judge Division 4; David Mann, associate circuit judge Division 5; Cristy Baker-Neel, prosecuting attorney; Tom Marshall, collector; and H.J. "Cotton" Holyfield, treasurer.

All of these candidates filed as Democrats. Republican candidates are few and far between in heavily Democratic Scott County, election officials said. The filing period runs through March 29.