SCOTT COUNTY INCUMBENTS WIN PRIMARY

BENTON -- Scott County voters were kind to incumbents in Tuesday's Democratic primary, returning all seven to office, with turnout that reached more than 50 percent in several precincts.

Because there were no Republicans running in the primary, Democratic primary winners will be the county's de facto officeholders-elect.

County Clerk Rita Milam, Recorder of Deeds Tom Dirnberger, Treasurer Glenda Enderle and Associate Circuit Court Judge Hense Winchester won their respective primary races in an election that had 35 percent of registered voters turnout to the polls.

At some polling places, voter turnout was much higher. The city of Oran had 47 percent turnout; New Hamburg, 64 percent.

Both Milam and Dirnberger were elected to office four years ago. Enderle and Winchester were both appointed to their offices earlier this year by Gov. Mel Carnahan.

Milam's campaign was the most successful. Winning all 30 precincts and 69 percent of the vote, Milam easily outdistanced her lone challenger, Nikki Ferrell-Roberds of Sikeston. Milam collected 5,739 votes to Ferrell-Roberds' 2,563.

Dirnberger captured 5,572 votes or 68 percent to Neal Wagley's 2,592 votes or 32 percent to win his second term as Scott County Recorder of Deeds.

Enderle faced competition from two challengers, Dale Stuckey of Benton and Joe Fritz of Sikeston. Voters cast 4,094 ballots for Enderle, 2,436 for Stuckey and 1,603 for Fritz.

"I'm glad it's over and I want to say that I appreciate everyone who worked for me in the campaign," Enderle said calmly.

Then, turning to supporters who surrounded her, she shouted, "We did it!"

Winchester defeated four opponents to be returned to the Division IV bench. (See related story on page 5.)

The three-candidate race for county collector featured three newcomers to county politics. Mark Hensley of Sikeston defeated Glenn Pinkerton and Mickey Holyfield to win his first elected office. Hensley collected 3,753 votes to 3,177 for Pinkerton and 1,336 for Holyfield.

"I want to thank God, my friends, my family and the voters," Hensley said.

"I've had people come up to me and say they were praying for me. Prayers are better than votes," he said.

Associate Circuit Judge, Division V, David Mann, Prosecuting Attorney Cristy Baker-Neel and Circuit Clerk Pam Glastetter faced no competition in the primary and easily won nomination.