June 3, 2020

Five contested school board races were decided Tuesday in the Stoddard County Municipal Election. Stoddard County saw a voter turnout of 14.93 percent on Tuesday. The results are unofficial until certified by the Stoddard County Clerk. In Dexter incumbent Ben Worley held onto his seat with 905 votes with Ronald David Glaus II and Saren Elizabeth Ann Demaree claiming seats with 724 and 704 votes, respectively. ...

Five contested school board races were decided Tuesday in the Stoddard County Municipal Election. Stoddard County saw a voter turnout of 14.93 percent on Tuesday. The results are unofficial until certified by the Stoddard County Clerk.

In Dexter incumbent Ben Worley held onto his seat with 905 votes with Ronald David Glaus II and Saren Elizabeth Ann Demaree claiming seats with 724 and 704 votes, respectively. Janet Bell received 483 votes and Bobbi Kay Parker received 462 votes with both falling short of winning seats.

“I appreciate everyone’s support over the years,” said Glaus. “I endeavored for several years to get on and it finally happened. I look forward to helping make the district as good as it can be.”

Glaus stated it is a tough time right now amid COVID-19 and budget concerns. He said with Worley winning re-election and Demaree joining the current board members, they could make the school the best place for the students.

“We had five very caring people running, each with different experiences to offer the board,” said Worley. “I am very honored to be one of the three chosen to serve on the board.”

“This year ended differently than anybody expected and this year will be different,” continued Worley. “I am honored to work hard to open the schools as normally as possible and keep students and staff as safe as possible and work to provide as much normality as we possibly can.”

The Dexter Statesman reached out to Saren Demaree but no comment was received by presstime.

It was a tight race in Bloomfield as incumbents William A. Robison (255 votes) and Ryan L. Mayo (254) along with Cecil H. Haley (238) edged out Jeffery G. Jarrell (212) to win seats on the Bloomfield School Board.

“I am excited to be a part it (the school board),” said Haley, who will join the board for the first time. “I think I could bring some new ideas with my background in banking.”

Haley, a 2004 Bloomfield alumnus, was complementary of the current board.

“I know all the current school board members and they have done a great job,” said Haley. “I am looking forward to seeing how they have done things and how I can help keep things moving forward.”

Another tight race took place in the Bernie School Board race (this race includes some votes from Dunklin County), as challenger Kristopher Powell with 151 votes fell short of unseating incumbents Richard Owens (203), Rick Beaird (187) and Denny Riddle (179).

The incumbents did not fare as well in Puxico as incumbent J.W. Mattingly was unseated by challengers Randy Stephens (335) and Steve Crisel (294). Incumbent Chad Payne held on to his seat with 302 votes.

“I really appreciate everyone’s vote and confidence in me,” said Stephens. “I look forward to serving the students and the school district. My goal is to try to make a positive difference in the lives of our students.”

In the race for the Puxico Ward I seat on the board of aldermen, GS Kilbreth with 36 votes held off Lori Jo Davies with 16 votes.

Advance also had a tight school board race, as challenger Jeremy Lee Limbaugh won a seat with 176 votes. Incumbents Joshua “Ryan” Schrader and Chase van Robbins with 171 and 147 votes, respectively, held off Tyler Michael Wade to retain their seats.

Voters in the city of Essex passed a use tax on internet sales with 43 yes votes and four no votes. Duck Creek Township voters passed a special road and bridge tax levy with 227 yes votes and 160 no votes.

The Stoddard County Public Water Supply District No. 5 waterworks revenue bond passed by a count of 69 yes votes to 15 no votes.

Advertisement
Advertisement