Contest for Ward 1 council seat is set for April election

Voters in Poplar Bluff’s Ward 1 will have two candidates to choose from in the April 2 election.

Lisa Armes Parson has filed for the seat currently held by Susan McVey. Retired Poplar Bluff Police Officer Alonzo “Kit” Skaggs, 75, filed earlier this month for the spot.

This is the first time Parson has run for office.

“I was born and raised out on the south end of Poplar Bluff,” said Parson, 57. “I just thought it would be a good way to reach out and help my community.”

Parson is an insurance agent and customer service representative at Morse Harwell Jiles Insurance.

Skaggs retired from the police department in 2006, after 16 years on the force. Originally from Doniphan, he has lived in Poplar Bluff since 1980.

McVey has said she will not file for re-election, after about 10 years on the council.

Filing for municipal and school elections closes Tuesday.

Ward 3 incumbent Barbara Horton is the only candidate currently for that seat. Horton, 69, was elected to the council in 2016. She works for the Daily American Republic.

The following contests have developed for other region municipal races as of Friday afternoon.

There are two challengers for Ward 3 in Dexter. Incumbent Frank Killian filing along with Ronald Ahrens. Killian has served since 2013. Both incumbents have filed for Ward 1 and Ward 2 spots which are held by Terry Battles and Tim Aslin respectively.

Two people have come forward for the Ward 1 Puxico. Incumbent GS Kilbreth, serving since 2013, will face Matthew Mitchell. No one has filed yet for an open Ward 2 seat.

A contest has also developed for Piedmont mayor. Incumbent Bill Kirkpatrick has filed, as well as challengers Gary Ellis and Roger Middleton. Incumbent Brian Tutterrow has also filed for Ward 1 and incumbent Kyle Allen for Ward 2.