SHERIFF'S RACE ATTRACTS ATTENTION IN PRIMARY

MOUND CITY -- Pulaski County will get a new sheriff this year.

After more than 40 years of public service, Gene Dixon will not seek a fourth four-year term as sheriff in Pulaski County.

Dixon, a Democrat who was first elected Pulaski County sheriff in 1986, is retiring after 12 years.

Dixon of Mounds has been involved in law enforcement since 1957, when he was a police officer at Mounds. He is a former alderman and mayor of Mounds. He also served as police chief at Mound City.

With the seat open, no less than five candidates have tossed their names in the hat to succeed Dixon, including Republican Russell E. "Rusty" Dakin. Dakin served eight years as Pulaski County Sheriff before losing an election to Dixon.

Dakin of Mounds also was a candidate in 1994 but lost to Dixon by 51 votes.

Dixon said he wants to spend more time with his family. He was a leading proponent for the regional justice center being built near state police headquarters at Ullin.

The new jail facility will house prisoners from Pulaski, Union and Alexander counties and provide courtroom space. Pulaski County has no jail facility. It currently houses its prisoners in the Massac County jail at Metropolis.

Only two Republicans are on the March 17 primary ballot -- Dakin and Elmer Rose of Olmsted, who served as Olmsted mayor from 1990 to 1994 and has served as a deputy.

Three Democrats have filed for the sheriff's position -- Randy Kern of America, John Price of Mounds and Jeff Caudle of Karnak. All three have law enforcement experience. Caudle is currently chief deputy in the department.

The only other primary race will be for county commissioner, where two Republicans candidates have filed, including incumbent Travis Rose Jr. of Olmsted. Opposing Rose for a spot in the general election will be Bill Atherton of Ullin.

Democrat Bob Gilley of Mounds is unopposed in the primary.

Another Pulaski County incumbent is also retiring. County Clerk Pete Winding's retirement will likely pave the way for Democrat Tanna Goins of Grand Chain. Goins currently works in the county clerk's office. She will face Republican Rita Flummer of Mounds in the general election.

County treasurer candidates are unopposed in the primary. Incumbent Republican Robert "Robbie" Moore of Mounds will face Democrat Venita Kerr Hancock of Villa Ridge in the general election this fall.