SCOTT COUNTY RACES SEEM TO BE HEATING UP

BENTON -- The retirement of three Scott County officials and the appointment of a fourth to another position has led to a flurry of filings for the August 4 Democratic primary in the county.

When the filing deadline ended at 5 p.m. Tuesday, only two candidates did not have challengers in their races.

Earlier this year presiding commissioner Bob Kielhofner and county collector Tom Marshall announced that they would not seek another term, opening up two elective offices in the county. In February, H. J. "Cotton" Holyfield, county treasurer, submitted his resignation to Gov. Mel Carnahan effective March 31. Tuesday was his last day.

Former Circuit Court Judge Anthony Heckemeyer stepped down from the bench at the end of February. When David Dolan, an associate circuit judge for the county, was appointed to fill Heckemeyer's circuit court seat, the Division IV position was left vacant.

Four people have filed for the position of presiding commissioner: Joel "Chuck" Bollinger from Scott City, Martin Priggel of Oran and George A. Morris and Dennis E. Ziegenhorn, both of Sikeston.

Three Sikeston residents -- Blenn Pinkerton, Mark Hensley and Mickey Holyfield -- have filed for collector. Holyfield is the wife of Cotton Holyfield, the former treasurer.

With Cotton Holyfield's resignation as treasurer, Gov. Carnahan appointed Glenda K. Enderle of Chaffee to the position. Enderle assumed the office Wednesday. She faces opposition from Dale Stuckey of Benton and Joe Fritz of Sikeston.

By far the biggest race in the primary will be for the Division IV Associate Circuit Judge position with six people filing for the post. Sikeston residents Fielding Potashnick, Frank Marshall, Hense Winchester and Jim Green will vie for the post, as will Francis J. Siebert of Scott City and Jim Pinkston of Benton.

In addition to four offices being left open by retirements and reappointment, three incumbents face challenges in their re-election bids.

Prosecuting attorney Cristy Baker-Neel of Sikeston faces a challenge from Matthew Hill of Benton.

Rita Milam of Benton will be opposed by Nikki Ferrell-Roberds of Sikeston in Milam's re-election bid for county clerk. Ferrell-Roberds is the daughter of Scott County sheriff Bill Ferrell.

Scott County Recorder of Deeds Tom Dirnberger of Oran will face Neal Wagley of Sikeston in the primary.

Only Division V judge David C. Mann and circuit clerk Pam Glastetter face no opposition in their campaigns.

No Republicans filed for the August primary in the county.