The April General Municipal Election for Daviess County will be held on Tuesday, April 6.
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Voters will choose two candidates from among five who have filed for Central Dispatch for Emergency Services for District 2: Tony Kirkendoll, Mark Richards, Ronald Tarepin, Sandy Ward and John W. Sullenger.
There are two positions opened for the Pattonsburg R-2 School District. Voters will select two from Michael Klenk, Meredith Doty, Dustin Sperry, Lincoln Cornett and Jason Teel.
Three people have signed up for the two positions open on the Winston R-6 School District. Those filing are David Neth, Scot Wilkerson and Allen Rhoades.
Cameron R-2 School District of Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess and DeKalb will vote for two between Glen Chase, Michelle Petersen and Ann Clark.
Two will be chosen by ballot from four people who are vying for positions at the Harrison County School District. They are C.F. Rainey, Cliff Addison, Terry Daniel and James Coulson.
Jameson voters will be asked to vote yes or no to levy an additional tax of 20 cents per hundred dollar valuation for general municipal purposes for a period of four years.
Voters will choose two directors to serve as members of the Gallatin R-5 Board of Education for a term of three years. Those filing for the position are Ray Clevenger, Teresa R. Eaton, Brice Terry and William Irby.
Voters will choose between John Whitfield and Janet Hart for east ward alderman, and between Dan Lockridge and Trudi Burton for west ward alderman.
Gallatin School District
Teresa R. Eaton
Teresa Eaton, 42, has been a resident of Daviess County for 22 years. She is married to Charlie Eaton and they have three children. Leta is a sophomore, Kevin is a freshman, and Mason is in fourth grade.
Mrs. Eaton is a graduate of Cameron High School and attended Missouri Western State College.
After 18 years of law enforcement experience, Mrs. Eaton retired in 2007. She was employed by Sheriff Tom Houghton at the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department where her duties included office manager and deputy sheriff. She also served with Sheriff Steve Cox at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department, where her duties included E-911 coordinator, deputy sheriff, court bailiff and detective. She is currently employed by the 43rd Judicial Court Services Program as a probation and parole officer.
She and her husband are co-founders of the Gallatin Youth Wrestling Club, and were court appointed emergency foster care parents for several years.
What are your reasons for running for the position?
"As a school board member I hope to bring to Gallatin School District the ability to work with the other school board members and administration to ensure the best education and opportunities for all children. I feel that I will be fair and impartial in my decisions. The school district will be facing many challenges. The recent budget cuts that have taken place with the state government will affect our school and children. The school board needs to make wise decisions. These decisions may affect our children for years to come."
Why do you feel you are qualified?
"As a mother and a professional I would like the opportunity to serve the families of this district ensuring that all decisions that are made will help our children to continue the success of our student academic programs and to assist our children in their future endeavors."
Brice Terry
Brice Terry, 47, is a lifelong reside of Gallatin and Daviess County. He is a 1981 graduate of Gallatin High School and received a B.S. degree in business management from Missouri Western State College in 1985.
He and his wife Cydney have four children, Ryan, 22, Brett, 19, Tannah, 13, and Tayton, 9.
Mr. Terry is co-owner of Terry Implement Co., Inc.
Mr. Terry served on the Gallatin R-5 Board of Education the past nine years and has been president the past three years.
He is vice-chairman of the Gallatin First Christian Church; chairman of the church building committee; past member and officer of the Gallatin Rotary Club; past member and officer of Gallatin Men’s Club; past president of Northwest Missouri Tractor Pullers Association.
What are your reasons for running for the position?
"I believe when a person lives and works in a community it is important to be involved and active within that community. By serving on the board of education you are becoming an active part of one of the most important assets of the community. I feel I am a fair person and willing to look at issues with an open mind. You have to be willing to put your personal feelings aside to work as a team to do what is best for the students."
Why do you feel you are qualified?
"I have already served on the board the past nine years and have served as board president the past three years. As a business manager, I have the tools and experience to bring a strong business background to the position. The next few years are going to bring a challenge to the district with the state budget being cut. The district is facing flat or declining revenues from the state, and tough choices may have to be made. With my business and board of education experience I feel I will be a valuable member of the Gallatin R-5 Board of Education during these challenging times."
William Irby
Dr. William Irby, 59, has been a resident of Daviess County since 1987.
He and his wife Barbara have two daughters, Natasha and Serena Irby.
Mr. Irby was previously a science teacher at Lone Jack High School, Lone Jack, Mo. He has been a physician at Northwest Health Services from 1987 to the present.
Dr. Irby served in the Navy
He has served on the Gallatin R-5 Board of Education since 1993.
Dr. Irby went to Hall High School at Little Rock, Ark. He received his B.S. degree in biology from Rockhurst College, Kansas City and his doctor of osteopathy from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Dr. Irby is a member of the Missouri School Board Association and American Osteopathic Association.
What are your reasons for running for the position?
"Our district is in a state of transition in leadership, along with a decrease in state revenue. With 17 years of experience on the board, I have a good grasp of our overall economic and educational goals and would like to continue focusing on student achievement. The teachers and administration have much to be proud of as we have an excellent school."
Why do you feel you are qualified?
"I understand the importance of a quality education and remain committed to help see that our district’s resources are used wisely and effectively for the benefit of the children of this community."
East Ward Alderman
John B. Whitfield
John Whitfield, 62, was born in Daviess County and has lived here all of his life, except for being away for college and the military.
Mr. Whitfield has a high school diploma and received a B.A. from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He served in the Army for two years and was honorably discharged.
He was self employed for over 30 years.
Mr. Whitfield is a member of the First Christian Church. He is an advisory director for Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri and is presently serving as east ward alderman.
What are your reasons for running for the position?
"I would appreciate the opportunity to continue working with the city council on the projects now before us. Refinancing of the bonds on the electric system, finding the best course for our water plant, and hiring a certified lineman are some of the things on the agenda."
Why do you feel you are qualified?
"Being an alderman for the past two years has been a learning experience. I believe with that experience I can better serve the city."
Janet Hart
Janet Hart, 39, and her husband Jay, moved to Gallatin in May of 2006, from Cameron. They have two children, Jacob, 11, is in the sixth grade and Jessica, 7, is in the second grade at Searcy Elementary.
After graduating from Cameron High School Mrs. Hart attended college to receive an associate degree
in retail. Upon graduation she was employed as an assistant manager for the next four years in retail. Upon getting married in 1994 she returned to college at Missouri Western State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in business administration emphasis in accounting.
She was employed at Saint Luke’s Hospital in the accounting department while attending college.
In 2001 she accepted a position as staff accountant at Cameron Mutual where she is currently employed.
Since moving to Gallatin Mrs. Hart has joined the First Christian Church, where she is a member of the fellowship committee. She also serves on the Daviess County Fine Arts Council which plans the annual Chautauqua.
What are your reasons for running for the position?
"I feel that there is a need for change and accountability in the way our city government is currently operating. My belief is that every citizen of Gallatin should be treated as a valuable member of this community. I will do everything within my power to help this city and its residents to grow and prosper towards a brighter horizon."
Why do you feel you are qualified?
"I have 20 years of experience in the accounting and management fields. I will bring common sense, enthusiasm, an open mind and will always look at the big picture to make sure all decisions that are made are for the good of all Gallatin residents. I hope you will give me the chance to be your voice."
West ward alderman
Trudi Burton
Trudi Burton has lived in Gallatin for 22 years. Her husband, Glen, and she have four children and 13 grandchildren.
Mrs. Burton graduated from Princeton High School She attended college in Iowa and Missouri.
Mrs. Burton worked for the City of Gallatin for 14 years. Since her retirement last year she has been busy with photography and making vinyl signs. This is her second year with the Daviess County Fine Arts, their main event being Chautauqua.
Mrs. Burton is a deacon at the First Christian Church and vice-president of the Lighthouse Learning Center Board. She is an active member of her church. She was a Step Up to Leadership graduate 2009.
Mrs. Burton has participated in many of the events and activities at the Gallatin Green Hills Community Action Center. She has participated with the reinstating of the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce. She was 2009 chairperson for the Northwest Section, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and still active with the Section.
What are your reasons for running for the position?
"I am running for westward aldermen because I feel I can help the people of Gallatin."
Why do you feel you are qualified?
"I feel I am qualified because I care about our beautiful city and its wonderful people."
Dan Lockridge
Dan Lockridge, 61, has been a resident of Daviess County for 58 years. He and his wife Debbie have two children, Ryan, 31, and Allison, 24.
His education includes his graduation from Tri-County R-7 School in Jamesport and the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics. Other than his first four years of employment right after college, his entire working career has been his 36 years with The First National Bank of Gallatin which, by way of merger, is now Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri.
Besides his last four years as an alderman for the City of Gallatin, he served six years on the Gallatin school board, including one year as president of the board. Other past community service has included the Gallatin Lions Club, the previous Gallatin Chamber of Commerce, Gallatin Community Association, Missouri Arts Council, Pony Express Tourism Council, and various professional organizations. He is currently serving as the president of the Daviess County Historical Society, secretary of the Gallatin Industrial Development Corporation, member of the Gallatin Industrial Development Authority, secretary of the Gallatin Youth Football non-profit corporation, treasurer of the Davis-Aulgur Family Foundation, and deacon of the First Christian Church of Gallatin.
What are your reasons for running for the position?
"While being a member of the business community, it has been a natural responsibility to want to do everything possible to help Gallatin prosper. During my last four years as a west ward alderman, my financial background has been an asset in that pursuit. We have been able to improve the financial condition of the city, but there are still several projects that need to be addressed."
Why do you feel you are qualified?
"I would appreciate the opportunity to serve another term on the city council to help find a solution to our aging water plant, help develop a comprehensive street improvement program, and work with the other members of the council to make Gallatin a safe and enjoyable place to live and work."