Candidate filings for municipal positions in Marion County are underway, with several contested races emerging as the filing period opened. The filing deadline is Aug. 5 at noon. Elections will take place on Nov. 3, coinciding with the general election.
In Bull Shoals, Michael Howell has filed to run for mayor, while Russell Meinkins, the incumbent, filed for re-election to the City Council for Ward 2, Position 1.
Flippin currently has the most activity, with incumbent Mayor Heith Hogan facing a challenge from Mary Jane Erwin. Three incumbents have also filed to retain their City Council seats: Jodi Howard for Ward 1, Position 2; Lacie Bettencourt for Ward 1, Position 1; and Margaret Ott for Ward 2, Position 1. One newcomer, C. Dane Hudson, is seeking the Ward 2, Position 2 seat.
In Pyatt, two candidates have entered the race for mayor: incumbent Cindy St. Clair and Justin Hall. Shauna Barnett is the sole candidate so far for a City Council seat.
Yellville reported only one candidate submission to date, with Charles Pearson filing for the City Council’s Ward 2, Position 1 seat.
The filing period remains open for additional candidates to join local races. Marion County voters will cast their ballots in the municipal election on Nov. 3.