SIKESTON -- Many communities will have races to decide at the April 4 municipal election. Filing closed Tuesday for most Southeast Missouri communities.
In Benton, candidates are all without opposition. Seeking two-year terms are Howard Bollinger as Ward 1 alderman; David Gelsheimer, Ward 2 alderman; and Beverly Riley, city collector. All are incumbents.
Bertrand residents will choose either James L. Mercer or Harold Allcock as the next mayor. Unopposed on the ballot are Todd Light for Ward 1 alderman and Dennis Quertermous, Ward 2 alderman.
Three races have developed for the four openings on the Chaffee Board of Aldermen. In Ward 1, Leah Warner has filed against incumbent Darlene Crocker for a two-year term on the board and in Ward 4, incumbent Eric Seyer faces a challenge from Garrett Warren. In Ward 2, Robert Sullivan didn't file for another two-year term and Jason Davis and Jerry Childers are seeking the office. Ward 3 Alderman Alan Cook is unopposed.
Charleston voters will fill an at-large position on the city council. Incumbent Jack Feezor is challenged by Ronald Hornback and Pam Haws for the three-year term.
A three-way race has developed for the job of East Prairie city marshal. In addition to current City Marshal Danny Lafferty, Mark Higgins and Joleda Matney have filed for the office.
Incumbent Ward 2 Alderman Jennifer Grissom is challenged in her election bid by Pam Taylor while in Ward 3, Kyle Hutcheson is opposing Alderman Paul Pfeiffer.
Unopposed on the April ballot are Ward 1 Alderman Joey King, Mayor Kevin Mainord and City Collector Mary Anne Mainord.
Matthews Mayor Jim Burch did not file for re-election and Ward 2 Councilman Ray Mills is unopposed in his bid to follow him into office. Also without opposition in April's municipal election is Ward 1 Councilman Keith Duke.
Vying to fill Mills' position representing Ward 2 are Daniel Adams, Tommy Romines and Rick Houston.
There will be races for four out of the five offices on the Morehouse municipal ballot.
Longtime Mayor Pete Leija is opposed by Steven Hadder. Judy Gosnell-Greene, who currently serves as the Morehouse city collector, is facing a challenge from Brittaney Brashears.
In Ward 1, Roger Ross opposes Tim Brashears, who was appointed to the post earlier. Candidates for the opening on the board from Ward 2 are Jackie Hays Sr. and Sean Henson.
Morehouse Chief of Police Jackie Hays Jr. did not draw an opponent.
Two of the three incumbents on the New Madrid City Council are opposed in the April election.
In Ward 1, Tommy Hunter has filed against Alderman Jim Cravens while Ward 2 voters will choose either longtime Alderman Russell Riggs, former board member Nick White or John Garner for a two-year term. Ward 3 Alderman Mark Wade is unopposed.
Oran has four wards and four candidates filed for office. They are Ward 1, Glen Bibens; Ward 2, Danny Foreland; Ward 3, Jimmy Westrich; and Ward 4, Karen LeGrand.
Portageville voters will pick a mayor, police chief and alderman. Candidates for mayor are Vincent Berry and Denis McCrate. Longtime Chief of Police Ronnie Adams is opposed in his election bid by Austin Delisle.
Seeking election as alderman in Ward I are Lynn Doering, Karen Gowan and John Dubois. Ward II voters will pick either George Lance Sr. or Ray Staffey as their representative.
Filing closed in November for a three-year term to serve as Sikeston's at-large council member, a seat held by the late Bob Depro. Candidates are Brian Self and John Graham.