When it comes to deciding county officials, Aug. 6 is it

In other words, if a voter wants a voice in how their county is run, how decisions are made and how their money is collected and spent, the August primary is an important election.

Both county commission positions, sheriff and assessor will be decided August 6.

There will be competition in the November general election for state representative in the 120th district, U.S. representative in District 8 and all of the statewide offices, but no local elected positions will be on that ballot.

In District 8, incumbent Republican Jason Smith faces James Snider and Grant Heithold. The Democrat race is between Randi McCallian and Franklin Delano Roth II. The winners will vie for the position in November.

Making the August election even more important is the fact that there are two constitutional amendments on the ballot, one on exempting some childcare providers from property taxes and one that would ensure police forces have resources to serve communities (see amendments on the sample ballot, or for more information go to sos.mo.gov to read the full text).

Local candidates running unopposed in August and facing no opposition in the general election are circuit judge Megan Seay, coroner Ben Pursifull, surveyor Michelle Elwood, public administrator Sherida Cook and presiding commissioner Gary Larson, all Republicans.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. August 6.

For questions about the ballot, how to vote, your polling place and other election questions, contact Dent County Clerk Angie Curley’s office, (573) 729-4144 or go to salemmo.com, click on Dent County, then offices, then elections.

Following are bios on local candidates. A full Q&A is available at thesalemnewsonline.com and a limited number of printed copies are available at The Salem News, 500 N. Washington. Candidates are listed alphabetically.

DENT COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1

Keith Green, Republican

I have been a native of Salem most of my life. I grew up here, raised a family here, and attend church in Salem as well. I worked for the City of Salem for 25 years, retiring in September of 2023, where I worked on road maintenance for 23+ years of that time.

Wes Mobray, Republican, incumbent

I am a lifelong resident of Dent County. My wife Kendra and I have been married 20 years, we have two sons, Bryce and Stetson. We live on our family farm and work hard together as a family to produce quality cattle and beautiful land. Prior to becoming your District 1 Commissioner in 2020, I was the owner/operator of Mobray Excavation. My time as a business owner and heavy equipment operator paved a solid foundation for the work required of a County Commissioner and I have thoroughly enjoyed serving in this role for the past four years.

DENT COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2

Denver Ellis, Republican

Greetings my fellow Dent Countians. I am the son of the late Susie Bailey and grandson of Stella (Nee) Nash. I am proud to be a multi-generational native to Dent County, blessed to be married to my wife, Sheila, and have two adult sons who have grown into amazing young men. We actively attend the Second Baptist Church in Salem. I attended and graduated from Salem High School and was proud and honored to have played a role for 14 years assisting our football program that represented our community during the Schuchardt-Dillon era.

I have served our community during the past 17 years by assisting the Dent County Commons Association as a team member that helps organize, structure, and run the multiple events we host each year that helps stimulate a county economic impact of nearly $3,000,000 a year. I am employed full time and a small business owner as a Bondsman that has serviced eight counties over the past 14 years and am also a special process server to multiple counties.

Gary Polk, Republican, incumbent

I am a life-long resident of Dent County, attending and graduating from Salem R-80 Schools. I have owned and operated an excavation business, as well as run a farming operation over the past 30 years. My wife, Denise Polk, and I are the parents of four children, Christopher Polk, DeeAndra Thompson, Whitney and Hayden Polk. I am a Christian and attend Hobson Community Church and am a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. I enjoy hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding and camping. I am currently serving as District Two Commissioner, after being selected by the Dent County Republican Committee and appointed by Governor Parsons in July 2023 to complete the term of the position after Gary Larson was appointed as Dent County Presiding Commissioner.

Jimmy Williams, Republican

I am a life-long resident of Dent County. I am currently employed at The Salem Housing Authority as the Maintenance Supervisor. I am a Salem High School graduate where I also served on the R-80 school board for four years. Prior to my current employment, I worked at C&E Auto as a salesman for 23 years. Family is very important to me. My wife Denita and I have been married 35 years and I am very proud of our children Amanda and Nate. Along with my employment I have renovated homes, managed my own rental properties, and also bought and sold many vehicles locally.

DENT COUNTY SHERIFF

Mike Loveday, Republican

For those I haven’t had the privilege to meet yet, I would like to briefly introduce myself. I’m a native of Dent County, married to my amazing wife, Destiny, and have three beautiful boys.

I started my career in law enforcement with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office in 2009 and served there for three years. I then transferred to the Salem Police Department where I have served for the past 12 years. I have worked as a K-9 handler and moved up the ranks as a Corporal and now Sergeant.

Bob Wells, Republican, incumbent

I was born in Salem in 1956 and have lived my entire life in Dent County. My wife Babette and I have been married 33 years. We are proud parents to two daughters, Jennifer, who is married to Jason Bass, and Jessica, who is married to Michael Sullivan. Our family includes six grandchildren: Addi and Ella Bass, and Jasper, Hallie, Lyman, and Charlie Sullivan. I attended R-4 and graduated from Salem High School in 1974. Shortly after that I went to work for the Conservation Commission at Montauk State Park raising trout. In 1979, I started work at Craig Distributing Company where I held several positions including warehouse worker, truck driver, transportation supervisor, Equipment/Maintenance Supervisor and my last seven years as Night Facility Manager.

In 1995, my brother and I started our own logging business which is still in operation today with him and his son James. Twenty years ago, I received my Missouri Real Estate license and work with United Country-Salem Realty that is operated by my wife Babette, whom is also the Broker. In 2013, I attended Dent County’s first Law Enforcement Academy. It consisted of 700 plus hours of schooling and a Class A Law Enforcement license.

Upon graduating from the academy, I worked at the sheriff’s office and then went to the Salem Police Department as a Reserve Officer. In 2016 I was elected sheriff and remain in that job.

I am a 35-year member of the Masonic Lodge #225, an endowment member of the National Rifle Association. I take the second amendment very seriously. My wife, Babette, and I are active members of New Harmony Church.

DENT COUNTY ASSESSOR

Alisa Brookshire, Republican

I’m Alisa Brookshire, daughter of Mike Thompson. I’m 53 years old, born and raised in Dent County and a graduate of Salem High School. I married John Brookshire and have been married for 29 years and have three beautiful daughters Emily, Nicole, and Hannah and operate and live on my husband’s family farm near Anutt. My husband works all over the Midwest laying fiber optic. I’ve worked various jobs over the years including two years in the Assessor’s Office. I am currently employed by Green Forests R-II School as an Instructional Aide.

Jamie Homeyer, Republican, incumbent

My husband of 44 years, Mike Homeyer and I, brought our commitment to family and community values to Salem in 2003. When we moved, we brought our manufacturing company AW Huber Inc. to Salem. I managed the office of our business until I received my real estate license in 2005. While working in real estate I went back to school and received my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southwest Baptist University.

Since becoming a member of the Salem community over twenty years ago, I have held many leadership roles in local organizations. Serving as a board member then as President of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce; VP then President of the Salem Band Boosters; Secretary, Treasurer, VP and President of the South-Central Board of Realtors; past Sunday School teacher, choir member and current financial secretary for Salem Lutheran Church. From 1978 to 1990 I worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone.

From 1990-1995 I was blessed to be a full-time homemaker, then 1995-2005 office manager of our small business. From 2005-2020 full time Realtor. During those years, I also served on the Board of Equalization at the request of the Dent County commissioners.

I was appointed as assessor Jan. 1, 2020, until the present. My pursuit of re-election as your assessor is fueled by my steadfast commitment to serve this county. I understand the scope of my authority as an assessor. I swore an oath to follow the rules that govern my office set forth by Missouri State Statute 137.

The Assessor has many responsibilities, but the main job of the assessor is to accurately assess the value of property. The assessor does not have the power or authority to raise or lower anyone’s taxes, we only assess value. By staying in compliance with the State Tax Commission, I have not had to raise county values since I took office. Re-electing me would ensure that Dent County is getting the knowledge and experience of someone who knows how to do the job and the dedication of someone who knows how to commit to a job and follow through. I aspire to continue listening and assisting to the needs and concerns of the public and ensuring accurate property assessments for all property owners of Dent County.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 120

(current rep Ron Copeland did not seek reelection)

Lancer Blair, Republican

I am the son of the late Luther Blair and Sandy Blair. I grew up here on the family farm in Salem and participated in 4-H, FFA, track and student council. After graduation I went on to college, where my first year was at College of the Ozarks at Branson, where I also worked off campus at the Dixie Stampede, then I transferred to the University of Mo. Columbia (MIZZOU), where I worked most of my way through college. I worked at the University's Dairy and Beef lab, as well as being the onsite student worker at the university horse farm. I was also the representative for the College of Agriculture’s Student Council horse club.

While at MIZZOU I also participated in the MIZZOU opera and sang in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the governor's mansion here in Missouri. After my father passed, in 2000, I graduated from MIZZOU with a degree in General Agricultural with an emphasis in Animal Science and minors in Plant Science and Agricultural Economics.

For a couple of years, I worked as a substitute teacher, mainly R-I and R-80. It was at this time that I started working seasonally for the City of Salem, in the Parks and Recreation Department, the electric department and Cedar Grove Cemetery.

I put myself through seasonal Law Enforcement Academy for the Federal Park Service, looking for a job here with the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. That didn't happen, but I did put some of my training to good use. As a part of my Park Ranger training, I also received training in Firefighting and Emergency First Responder.

When I came back to Salem, I joined the Jadwin Volunteer fire Department, where I am currently an officer. I went to work for the Department of Natural Resources working at a maintenance position at Current River State Park, then went to work for MDC at Montauk, as a Fish Tech 1.

When I was asked to run for the position of state representative, I prayed about it and decided to do it. When I did put my name in the hat for this position I was immediately fired from my job with MDC. So, I am currently unemployed. During this entire time, I have kept my ear to the ground politically and economically and I continue to educate myself.

John Hewkin, Republican

My name is John Hewkin, and I am running as a Republican for state representative for the 120th District, both Crawford and Dent counties.

I am married to my wife Lynne and in August it will be for 43 years. We have four children and 19 grandchildren.

I currently work for BJC Sullivan Hospital, and fill in for some of the Sinks pharmacies as a relief pharmacist.

I grew up in Cuba, Missouri and graduated from Crawford County R-2 High School. My mother worked three jobs to keep our heads above water, I learned from an early age that you have to work hard for what you want. I attended East Central College on a basketball scholarship for two years and then transferred to St. Louis College of Pharmacy, where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy.

After graduating Pharmacy College, I returned to Cuba to work at Towne Pharmacy which I eventually purchased.

I started a medical equipment company with two of my friends (Mid-Missouri Infusion) which we later sold to Rotech Medical and I went to work for Rotech for five years.

I purchased another Pharmacy (Medicine Cabinet Pharmacy) in Sullivan Missouri and eventually sold both pharmacies to my competitors.

I served on The Crawford County R-2 school board for six years and was able to help pass a bond issue to build a new high school, only after conferring with and listening to the voters.

I was later appointed to and then elected to serve on the Crawford County Commission.

I have been involved in many local organizations, coached a great many youth teams and currently serve on the Life Line Pregnancy Care Center board of directors, a local pregnancy care center.

My wife Lynne and I were foster parents for a little over two years.

Jen Tracy, Democrat

I’m a REALTOR® with a Broker-Salesperson license, and a small business owner with a passion for giving back to my community through volunteer work. I currently sit on boards with Mid-Ozark CASA and Bourbon Community Development Corporation. In addition, I’m actively involved with Bourbon Economic Development Group, Inc. on their housing and BBQ committees, American Red Cross as a blood drive coordinator, Cuba and Sullivan Area Chambers of Commerce, and Impact100 Crawford County.

With a successful background in sales and management, I’m a natural leader who prides myself on integrity and service to others. I live in Bourbon with my husband on a small hobby farm, where we raised three children in our blended family.