Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Five Area Races Are Contested In May 21 Primary

Candidates flocked to the Clark County Clerk's Office Tuesday, April 2, as the deadline for filing for political office struck at noon.

There will be five contested races in the Gurdon area for the May 21 primary, which, for the first time, will not be a preferential party affair.

The contests begin with the city marshal's race. There are three candidates running for this post.

Incumbent David Childres is being challenged by Roderick "Rod" Cooper and Tommy Potter.

There is also a battle for the position of city recorder/treasurer. Office holder Tambra Smith has Linda Gayle Hogue as her opponent.

The spot as constable from the Caddo Township sees Benny Arnold and Sherman Whittle squaring off.

From there, the contested races are all for justice of the peace.

District 5 has Rudy Preston taking on incumbent Bill Moorman.

In district 7, Bobby Joe Pritchard has issued the challenge to Bill Newton, the incumbent.

District 8 sees Orville Buck tangling with incumbent Billy C. Kirksey.

Al Brown and Kenny Spruill are vying for the seat in district 10, which will be vacated by Larry Thomerson, who did not seek reelection.

Mike Cox and Delbert Montgomery are running for the post in district 11.

Looking at county races, two are running for tax assessor. Helen Johnson and Wanda H. Knight both want the position.

A trio of candidates are seeking the spot for county treasurer. Edgar E. Ball, Judy Beth Hutcherson and Glenda Watson have all expressed an interest in holding the post.

Otherwise, there are no contests.

Billy C. Williams will be unopposed for circuit clerk. Troy Tucker has no foe for Clark County Sheriff. And, County Judge Grady Runyan also gets a free ride for a second term.

Frank Plasek will be the constable from the Missouri Township.

Scott Wyatt is the lone candidate for coroner, while Lynda Franklin has no opponent for county and probate clerk.

Looking at the JP races, Jon Kelly has no opposition for district 1; Juanita "Dot" Curry is alone in district 2; R.H. "Dick" Batson will be the JP in district 3; while Albert Neal is alone in district 4.

District 6 will have no contested race for the May 21 primary, but will see a race in the general election in November. Incumbent Bill Conine is the Democrat in the race, while M.G. Spanial is seeking the office as a member of the GOP.

Rufus R. Hatley is unopposed in district 9.

The only other races are for Republican County Committee. Maurcie L. Hitt, Loren L. Long and Audrey Mae Long are all running.

Independent candidates, however, have until May 1 to get their petitions turned in. Those needing information to running as independents can contact the Clark County Clerk.