Rogers prevails in tight Family Court Judge's race

Elder holds on to Jailer's position

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Voters turned out in near record numbers on Tuesday night with several highly contested races on the ballot, including State Representative and US Senate. At the local level it was the three county Family Court Judge’s seat and the office of Webster County Jailer that garnered the most attention. In most local elections the incumbents easily dominated.

The 5th Judicial Circuit, 2nd Division Circuit Judge Family Court position was one of the closest races of the night, coming down to 50 votes. Webster County’s Ben Leonard won his home county 2,845 to 1,373 against Crittenden’s Brandi Hagen Rogers, but that wasn’t enough to pull off the victory. Rogers defeat Leonard 6,193 to 6,143 in the overall vote, taking both Union County (2,819) and Crittenden County (2,001-1,183).

Jailer Terry Elder (Dem.) defeated contender Jason Branson (Ind.) with a 2,467 to 1,832 vote. 

This was the second time this year that Elder has had to defeat opposition. In May he had competition from Dixon Business owner Marcey Parker in the Democratic Primary.

“It’s been a long year” said Elder. “I’d just like to thank my Lord and savior first of all. Then the voters of Webster County and my family that have stood behind me, and all of my staff that have worked so hard to make this happen.”

Other notable races included the office of Dixon Mayor, where current mayor, Linda Frederick, was upset by  political newcomer Carolyn Townsend with a vote of 117 to 48.

“I’m excited,” said Townsend. “I have great respect for the people of Dixon and appreciate the confidence they’ve placed in me.”

OTHER RESULTS

Clay

The Clay City Council will remain the same moving forward, with incumbents reclaiming all of the seats. Todd Vanover led all candidates with 326 votes. Jackie Edens was second highest, claiming 294 votes, with Paul Cowan (280), Jeff Hanor (267), Patty Dennis (264) and Jerrell Rich (263) also winning.

Candidate Thomas E. Herron received 167 votes.

Dixon

John Ramsey Jr. lead all candidates for the office of city commission with 101 recorded votes. He and Terry Webb (94) claimed two of the four seats on the commission, knocking off commissioners David Royster (55) and Donna Keller (67). Commissioners Arthur ‘Junior’ Little (79) and Jennifer Stone (69) retained their seats.

Other vote getters were David Frazier with 48 and Anthony Powell with 54. 

Providence

Providence Mayor Eddie Gooch reclaimed his office, taking 66.96 percent of the vote in his 614 to 303 victory.

Incumbents reclaimed all of the seats on the Providence Council. Doug Hammers was the top vote getter with 628, followed by Keith Farrell (609), Shannon Cole Layton (608), Scott Frederick (598), Delores Overby (563) and Thomas Skinner (483).

Other candidates were Robert Hatcher Jr. with 457 and Wayne Hust with 399.

Sebree

There will be some new faces on the Sebree Council next season. Newcomers Jana Forker (219), Deb Stull (217) and Billy Smith (191) will join incumbents Pete O’Nan (194), Harold Orrick (205) and Kenny Wright (184) on the council. Councilman Mark Moser did not run.

Incumbents Jim Allen Williams (170) and Brenda Margelot (159) lost their re-election campaigns. Mark E. Floyd (167) also failed to earn a sear on the council.

Wheatcroft

The Wheatcroft City Commission will consist of Lonnie Thompson (30), Claude Hopper Jr. (30), Sherry Cowan (35) and Ronnie Stone (27).

James Matthew McVay failed to earn a seat on the council, claiming only 22 votes.

Reach MATT HUGHES

 at 270-667-2068 or 

matt@journalenterprise.com