January 12, 2021

A contest has developed for a Poplar Bluff City Council seat and a new candidate has signed up for an area school board race. Robert E. Durbin filed Tuesday morning for the Poplar Bluff Ward 4 seat, according to Nevada Young, city clerk. Newcomer Ashley Taylor has also filed for the Neelyville R-IV Board of Education...

By MICHAEL SHINE and DONNA FARLEY Staff Writers

A contest has developed for a Poplar Bluff City Council seat and a new candidate has signed up for an area school board race.

Robert E. Durbin filed Tuesday morning for the Poplar Bluff Ward 4 seat, according to Nevada Young, city clerk.

Newcomer Ashley Taylor has also filed for the Neelyville R-IV Board of Education.

Poplar Bluff

The Ward 4 seat is currently held by Shane Cornman, who filed in December for a second term.

Durbin previously was one of nine candidates in 2020 for two at-large seats. Those seats were secured by current council members Steve Davis and Chris Taylor.

The winner of the April 6 election will serve a two-year term.

Former council member Jerrica Fox has also filed for the Poplar Bluff Ward 2 seat. Fox previously served as an at-large council member, being appointed in August 2015 for a partial term and elected to the seat in April 2016.

Ed DeGaris currently holds the Ward 2 seat, but has said he will not run for a new term.

Those interested in running can apply from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays at Poplar Bluff City Hall at 501 Vine St. Hours will be extended to 5 p.m. on Jan. 19.

Neelyville

The Neelyville R-IV School District had a second candidate file for the school board.

There are two seats open, currently held by Gene Russom and Jim Hover.

Hover filed for re-election last week.

Taylor registered early this week as a candidate.

Those interested can file at the Central Office, at 289 Broadway St. in Neelyville. Normal work hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, but the office will be open until 5 p.m. on Jan. 19.

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