Boone County Gears Up for March Primary Elections to Elect New Officials

Boone County residents are preparing to cast their votes in the March 3rd Preferential Primary Election, which will determine several significant leadership positions, including county judge, sheriff, and coroner. Voters will also decide on multiple Justice of the Peace races and two municipal tax ordinances for the City of Harrison.

The race for Boone County judge features five contenders. Christopher M. Davis is among them. Tyler Gentry brings six years of experience as assistant county judge, where she has managed the county budget, drafted documents, overseen grants, and handled audits. Danny Hall, a lifelong resident, offers a background in various sectors, including retail and self-employed general contracting. James Still, with 22 years of service to Boone County, rose from shop mechanic to supervisor, working under three county judges. Bobby Woods, a former District 6 Justice of the Peace, highlights decades of experience in real estate, farming, and business, including contract negotiation and legal matters.

All five candidates have been invited to discuss their campaigns on Ozarks Q-ROCK. Listen for them as early voting gets underway next week.

For Boone County sheriff, two candidates are vying for the office. Mark Foresee's diverse background includes military service, emergency medical services, fraud investigation, and leadership roles within law enforcement agencies. Tim Roberson boasts over 38 years in law enforcement, with more than 26 years in leadership and nearly three years as appointed sheriff, having graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Aaron Gutting and Micheal Rocole are the two individuals seeking the position of Boone County coroner.

Several Justice of the Peace districts also have contested races. District 5 sees Ryan Summitt and Bob Worden on the ballot, while Ralph H. Guynn and Jody Marshall are competing in District 9. District 10 candidates include Tony Jones and Rep. Ron McNair.

Harrison voters will also consider two sales and use tax measures. Ordinance No. 1542 proposes a 0.25 percent city-wide sales tax. Ordinance No. 1544 suggests a 0.50 percent sales tax specifically allocated for essential municipal improvements such as water, sewer, streets, drainage, and public safety. These taxes have been in effect for decades, but are due to sunset this year. The election is asking voters to continue the taxes as they are, but eliminating the sunset clause.

Early voting is available from February 17th through March 2nd at the Boone County Election Center. Election Day is March 3rd, with polls open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at various locations across the county.