Texas County voters go to the polls today to decide several municipal, school board and township races.
Countywide, voters will decide board members for the Texas County Health Department and a taxation matter on out-of-state transactions on personal property.
The Texas County clerk’s office will be open from 8 a.m. until noon for absentee balloting.
Five people declared for the Texas County Health Department board. Seeking two slots that are four years each are: Aya Katz, Raymondville; Toni Coomes Moberly, Caiti Burks and Linda Breedlove, all of Licking; and incumbent Sally Smith, Houston. Dianne Ingalls did not seek re-election.
Question #1 would allow the local sales tax to be applied to out-of-state purchases of vehicles, boats, outboard motors trailers. A “yes” vote would result in a reduction of tax revenue in the county.
Incumbent Janet Wiseman will run unopposed for a five-year term on the Texas County Memorial Hospital board of trustees.
Here are the contested school board races:
Five persons are seeking two, three-year terms on the Houston board of education. They are: Dustin A. Smith, Stacie Ely, Tadd McCloud, M. Kevin Reed and V. Leon Slape. McCloud is the incumbent. Jim Root did not seek re-election.
Plato board of education: Filing for two, three-year terms are David Hall, Clint Todd and Penny Renee Morrison. The incumbents are Hall and Morrison.
Success School board: Seeking two, three-year terms are Michael L. Glidewell, incumbent; Tyson R, Warner and Kevin Irwin, incumbent. Filing for two, one-year terms are Marilyn R. Knutson, Melissa Benson and Carl E. Shelton. (Created by resignations of Nancy Davis and Jason Burch, who moved from the district).
Cabool board of education: Melissa D. Vonallmen, Vera Rose, Sheila Long, Kaye Hale, James H. Gray, Ted Noirfalise and Kevin Clary. (Two, three-year terms to be filled).
Summersville board of education — Christopher J. Duncan (one, one-year term) and Jeff Atchison, Danny J. Smith, Barbara Conner, Michael Stoops and Sam Jewett (two, three-year terms)
Tax measures: Two school levy measures also are the ballot. Cabool patrons will be asked to extend the current levy at $3.2144 per $100 assessed valuation through the 2019 tax year. Plato School District voters will decide a 37-cent increase in the operating levy to make improvements on campus, including a FEMA community safe room, a secured main entrance and corridor connecting buildings.
City races: Two races developed for positions in Houston city government. Seeking the Ward II seat are incumbent Charles “Chalky” Wells and Andrew Wells. Kenton Rhea Yarnall is challenging Mayor Don Tottingham. Running unopposed are David Arthur, Ward III; and Mary Barnes, Ward I.
At the City of Licking, Mayor Linda Miller is opposed by Keith Cantrell for a two-year term. Danny Wade is challenged by Joe D. Dillard Jr. for a two-year term in Ward I. Running in Ward II for a two-year term are Joyce Cook and Dale Krewson.
Village of Raymondville — Incumbents Dennis Grose and Don Barton Jr. refiled. Mike Wilkins did not seek re-election. That spot will be filled by write-in candidacy or by the board.
At Plato, Rosemary L. Stuart and Theresa Ryan filed for three, two-year terms. A third slot will be determined by a write-in vote.
John Mark Hale is opposed by Jim Sigman for a Ward II post at Cabool.
Township races: Seeking two, two-year terms on the Burdine Township board are: Andy Knapp, David R. Mathis, Jaimie Everling, Norman Nevill and Brian Mollhagen.
Earl Walls and Charolette King are seeking a one-year term as Carroll Township treasurer.
Vince Davis, Danny Nungesser, Albert Hicks and Chris Emery are on the ballot for two, two-year terms for Clinton Township board member.
Write-in candidacies will determine some races in Current, Lynch, Morris, Roubidoux and Sargent townships because of a lack of declared candidates.
Seeking a two-year term as treasurer in Piney Township are incumbent Diana L. Hill and Victoria Castleman Narancick. Seeking two board seats are incumbents Donald J. Collins and Don Gaston, as well as Ron Frey.
The Texas County clerk’s office will be open from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday for absentee balloting.