SCOTT COUNTY INCUMBENTS FACE OPPONENTS

Although a number of candidates will face opposition in their bids for seats on school boards throughout Scott County, only a handful of city council elections will be contested throughout the county when voters go to the polls next week.

In most of the school board races throughout the county, at least one person has come forward to challenge incumbents seeking re-election.

In Scott City, two incumbents, Kevin Hillemann and Debbi Miller, are seeking re-election to the school board. They are challenged by David Beck. A fourth candidate, J. Wayne Petitt, who was appointed last year to fill a vacancy on the board is running unopposed to finish the remainder of an unexpired term.

The Kelly school board election likewise has two incumbents seeking re-election, as does Oran and Scott County Central. In each race, the incumbents are facing opposition from a third candidate.

The Kelly race pits incumbents John Felter and Rita Milam against David Hamm. Milam has also filed for re-election as the Scott County clerk. All three are from Benton.

In Oran, Dan Heeb is challenging incumbents Mike Wheeler and John Bertrand for a seat on the board.

Former Scott County Central teacher and basketball coach Ronnie Cookson of Morley is running against two present board members, Kay Boley Griffin and Gary Kesler of rural Vanduser, for a seat on the board. Cookson is also running for a place on the Morley board of aldermen.

Only one incumbent chose to run for re-election in the Chaffee school board contest. Present board member Bob Sullivan, Debbie Simmons and Phillip David Groves are vying for two seats on the board.

The Kelso C-7 school district has four candidates contending for two seats on the school board. Doris Jansen, Frank Glueck, Reatha Paul and Russ Mothershead are running. Only Glueck is an incumbent.

The Sikeston school board election pits three newcomers against each other for two empty seats, vacated by the retirement of Dan Lape and Glenn Pinkerton from the board. Jan Sargent Felker, David Matthews and Duane D. Highley are running for the positions on the board.

Most city elections have few contested races, the cities of Scott City, Morley and Miner being the notable exception.

In Scott City's council election, Gary Miller stands unopposed in Ward One. However, in each of the other three ward races, three candidates are vying for a place on the council. In Ward Two, incumbent Teresa Crump faces opposition from Donna Sheren and Glendella May. In Ward Three, incumbent J. T. Gulley is being challenged by Kevin Gresham and Anita Joyce Mott. Incumbent Marsha Zimmerman chose not to run in Ward Four. Two candidates -- Charles Klughart Jr. and Philip Radica -- are on the ballot to replace her. A third candidate, Dale Littlepage, is mounting a write-in campaign.

Morley has two contested races for the board of alderman. Hallie Granville is challenging Ricky Isaacs in Ward One. In Ward Two, Ronnie Cookson and Candy Wright are running for the seat vacated by Ron Reeves, who chose not to run. Jerry May is running unopposed to finish an unexpired one-year term as an alderman for Ward One. Joan Berry in unopposed in the mayoral race.

Miner has three races. In the mayoral contest, Mayor Betty Barnes is facing a challenge from Cindy Cole. Incumbent Norma Tatum is running against Steve Hampton for alderman, Ward One. Incumbent Tom Brock is the only name that will appear on the ballot for Ward Two, though Jim Wills is waging a write-in campaign. Phyllis J. Hepler is running unopposed for collector.

Commerce also has a race, with four candidates vying for three spots on the Board of Trustees -- Buddy Vetter, David "Buck" Hanners, Dixie Jane Johnson High and Alan Wright.

Two of Benton's sitting aldermen have chosen not to seek re-election. A three-man race to succeed one of the alderman has developed in Ward Two, with Randall Grady, Jim Arteme and Phyllis Minner vying for the seat. Barry Urhahn runs unopposed in Ward One.