The polls are open until 7 p.m. for the April 8, 2025 general municipal election.
Among the myriad of contests and ballot measures in our area:
MARSHALL: Three seats on the Marshall City Council are up for election. First Ward incumbent John Allen Junior goes up against challenger Harold Clayton, while in Ward Three, Jeremy Gibson and Kristen Riley face off to succeed Charlie Guthrey. Second Ward councilman Nathan Swisher has a write-in challenger, Bob Gauert, while Harold Simmons is running uncontested in Ward Four to succeed Steve Cook.
MIAMI: Elsewhere in Saline County, the Miami R-I school district is seeking voter approval to borrow $2 million for the construction of a new gymnasium. If approved the district’s tax rate would increase by 88 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
CARROLLTON: The town of Carrollton will decide whether to re-elect Susan Bliss as mayor, or give the nod to challenger and current Ward One councilman Keith Higgins. One seat on the Carrollton Town Council is contested, as Ward Four incumbent Jim Bowen faces two challengers, Jimmie Stewart and Rebecca Mohn.
SEDALIA: All four council seats up for election in Sedalia are contested. Current Ward One councilman Tom Oldham faces a challenge from Albert Reine Jr, while Ward Three councilman Bob Cross goes up against David Covington. Sedalia will have two new council members, as the Ward Two race is between Michelle Abney and Lee Schribner, and the Ward Four contest is between Michelle Franklin and Harry Hoffert.
PETTIS COUNTY: Pettis County residents will also decide whether to renew their one-half cent countywide sales tax to support county roads, with the five-year sunset removed. Green Ridge R-8 Schools is seeking an increase of $1.25 to their operating tax levy for the purpose of attracting and retaining teachers and support staff. Smithton R-VI Schools is asking their patrons to approve a $3.5 million bond measure to fund several projects around the district. Six candidates are seeking three seats on the Pettis County Health Center Board of Trustees.
A pair of school districts in the county also have board elections involving multiple candidates. Seven people are seeking two seats on the Knob Noster R-VIII board, while six candidates are seeking two seats on the Northwest R-V school board.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY: Lafayette County voters will decide whether to impose a sales tax of one-half of one percent to support the county’s 911 system and other emergency services, and whether to charge a three-percent sales tax on adult use marijuana. The Wellington-Napoleon school district is asking its patrons for the go-ahead of issue general obligation bonds totaling $2.95 million, with no increase to the district’s levy, while Oak Grove R-VI School is seeking an increase in their operating tax levy ceiling to $3.4061 per $100 of assessed valuation.
Seven candidates are on the ballot for two open seats on the Concordia R-II school board.
COOPER COUNTY: The City of Boonville is pursuing a five-year renewal of its one-half of one cent sales tax to fund capital improvements. Elsewhere, the Otterville R-VI school district is seeking a tax levy increase by 30 cents to attract and retain teachers.
LINN COUNTY: In Linn County, three Marceline residents are vying for two seats on the city council: Brian Baker, Jacob Clay, and Clarence “Matt” Gibson. Clay and Gibson had sought a vacancy on the council in December, with Gibson ultimately getting the nod to join Baker on the five-person council. Also in Linn County, Brookfield R-III Schools is seeking approval for a $3.9 million bond measure.
KMMO will have election coverage this evening beginning at 7 p.m. on KMMO-FM 102.9 and online at KMMO.com