There is just one week left for candidates to file to run for the Aug. 6 primary election, with several contenders remaining unopposed thus far in their bids to hold office. Filing for the primary elections closes at 5 p.m. March 26.
One person has filed as a candidate for the seat currently held by 154th District Rep. David Evans of West Plains, who last week announced his upcoming retirement at the conclusion of this term; he had filed for reelection but stated his plans to withdraw his candidacy.
Republican Lisa Durnell of Willow Springs has thrown her hat into the ring for the seat, which represents all but the northeast corner of Howell County; no Democratic candidate has filed as of Tuesday afternoon.
Travis Smith, a Republican from Dora and the current 155th District Representative, is now running for 33rd District State Senator after Sen. Karla Eslinger announced she did not plan to seek reelection to the seat. He is challenged on the Republican primary ballot, by Brad Hudson of Cape Fair, but no Democrat has yet filed for the seat. The district includes Howell, Oregon, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties.
In the 143rd District, which includes Texas County, incumbent Rep. Bennie Cook of Houston is running, challenged on the Republican ballot by Philip Lohmann of Rolla, but Democrat Bernadette Holzer, also of Houston, is unopposed.
In the 155th District, which includes Douglas and Ozark counties, Republicans Julie AuBuchon of Forsyth and Matthew Overcast of Ava are facing off for the seat held by Smith, but Democratic candidate Courtney Sweeney-Legore of Kissee Mills remains unchallenged near the end of the filing period.
In the race for 141st District State Representative, Republicans John S. Perperian of Phillipsburg, Melissa Schmidt of Lebanon, and Zach Williams of Mtn. Grove are running, with no Democrats on the ballot. Current officeholder Hannah Kelly has reached her term limit. That district includes parts of Wright and Douglas counties.
Running for 37th District Circuit Court Judge is incumbent Steven Privette of Willow Springs, so far unchallenged.
In other primary races U.S. Congressman for District 8, Republican Jason Smith of Cape Girardeau, is challenged by Republican James Snider of St. Mary. Two democrats are also on the ballot, Randi McCallian of Edgar Springs and Franklin Delano “Denny” Roth II of Hillsboro.
With candidate filings closed for the April 2 general municipal election, several candidates are unchallenged including Betty Pirkle, running for Bransdville East Ward alderwoman, and Ronnie Bunch, running for West Ward alderman.
In West Plains, Councilman Johnny Murrell is running for a second consecutive four-year term, unopposed.
In Willow Springs, Ward I Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem Kimberly D. Rich is running for a two-year term and D. Tyler Morris is running for a two-year term as Ward II alderman, a seat he was appointed to after the resignation of David Collins in July. Both are unopposed.
In Mtn. View, Mayor John Krasuski is seeking reelection to a two-year term; Judi Colter is running unopposed for a two-year term as East Ward alderwpman, and to fill the remainder of a one-year term vacated upon the resignation of Steven Sills, Vicki Carr and David Bauer will run for the second East Ward alderman seat. Bud Vines was appointed to that position and will serve until the election, but is not running for election. For West Ward alderman, Calvin Perry and Lucinda Burton are running for a two-year term. Lindell Vandevort, current West Ward alderman, is not seeking reelection.
Several Howell County school districts are holding elections for school board seats.
The Bakersfield School District has two open seats, each a three-year term. Candidates are incumbent Christopher Bales, Justin Turner and Andrea Russell.
In the Glenwood School District, Chase Johnson is running against current board Vice President Jason Finley for a three-year term.
In the Mtn. View-Birch Tree School District, there are two open seats for three-year terms. Gaylon Noble, Michael Smith and incumbent Jennifer Foster will be on the ballot.
The Oregon-Howell (Koshkonong) School District has two two open seats, each a three-year term. Angelia Andrews, incumbents President Jamie Roberts and Vice President Jeff Lancaster, Ruth Waggoner and Joan Billingsley have filed as candidates.
In the West Plains R-7 School District, two seats are open, each a three-year term. Current President Jimmy E. Thompson and member Brian Mitchell are joined on the ballot by challenger Shealia Harper.
In the Willow Springs School District, three seats are open. Two are three-year terms and incumbents Scott Foster and President Mac Gum are running, joined by challenger Roger Shanks. For a one-year term, incumbent Debbie L. Bryan, Larry Huitt and Meagan Jones are running.
