Municipal Elections Set for today across multiple cities

This evening, municipal elections throughout the region are gearing up for contested races, ballot measures, and key decisions that will shape local governance. 

Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming elections in Webb City, Oronogo, Carterville, Joplin, Carthage, Neosho, and Carl Junction.

Webb City: Contested Ward Race and Unopposed Incumbents

In Webb City, the Third Ward council seat is contested, with incumbent Brad Baker facing a challenge from Fred Fletcher-Fierro. Baker has been serving by appointment since Jonathan Shull’s resignation. Meanwhile, other incumbents—Andy Queen (1st Ward), Gina Monson (2nd Ward), and Debby Darby (4th Ward)—are running unopposed for reelection. Voters will decide the Third Ward race, while the remaining incumbents are poised to retain their seats.

Oronogo: Use Tax Proposal and Unopposed Aldermen

Oronogo residents will vote on a proposed 2 percent use tax on online purchases, mirroring the city’s sales tax rate, as part of the April 8 ballot. Approved by the Board of Aldermen in November 2024, the measure requires a simple majority to pass. The ballot language frames it as a fairness issue, ensuring online businesses charge the same tax as local retailers. Mayor Charles Wilkins has touted the tax as a funding boost for the police department, though the ordinance allows future boards flexibility to redirect the funds. Three incumbents—Rick Seely (1st Ward), Michael Renburg (2nd Ward), and Darrell Orender (3rd Ward)—are unopposed for reelection. The board remains short one member following Jason Guild’s resignation from the 2nd Ward seat on March 7, 2025.

Carterville: Contested Council Seats and a Write-In Opportunity

Carterville’s ballot features five council races, including two contested seats and one open to write-in candidates. In the 3rd Ward, Mike Dudley and incumbent Cody Franks are vying for a two-year term, while no candidates have filed for the one-year unexpired term in the same ward, leaving it open to write-ins. In the 4th Ward, incumbent Brenda Cupp faces challenger David Peterson. Incumbents Warren Myers (1st Ward) and Judy Martin (2nd Ward) are running unopposed, solidifying their positions barring a write-in surge.

Joplin: School Board Seats Up for Grabs

Joplin’s Board of Education election will see voters choose two candidates for three-year terms currently held by incumbents David Weaver and Donnie Greenlee II. Weaver is seeking reelection alongside challengers Lori Musser, Thomas Ross, and Derek Gander. The top two vote-getters will secure the seats, making this a competitive race to watch on April 8.

Carthage: Council Chaos and a Contingent Mayor’s Race

Carthage’s City Council election promises drama, with five two-year terms and one one-year term on the ballot amid ongoing legal disputes. In Ward 1, incumbent Chris Taylor faces Kate Gilpin. Ward 2’s vacant two-year seat has only Ray West running. In Ward 3, David Thorn and George Butler III are competing for the seat held by Terri Heckmaster, who opted not to run, while Katrina Short and Jack Perkins vie for a one-year term vacated in September 2024. Ward 4 pits TJ Teed against Alan Snow, who assumed the mayor’s role in October 2024 after Dan Rife’s impeachment. In Ward 5, Keith Hurlbut and Ron Wells are running for a seat left vacant after Tiffany Cossey’s recall in November 2024.

The mayoral race adds uncertainty, with Ed Hardesty and David Bren Flanigan filing to run for a one-year term. However, this election hinges on two pending court cases filed by impeached former mayor Dan Rife. 

Neosho: Council and School Board Contests

Neosho’s City Council has two open three-year seats. Incumbent Carl Cobb is unopposed in Ward 4, while Jacob Evans and incumbent Angela Thomas are competing for the at-large seat. The Neosho Board of Education election features two three-year seats, with incumbent Jonathan Russell running alongside challengers Terra K. Oxendine, Robert Fair, Zachary Erisman, Cari Southern, Jeff Short, and Derek D. Johnson. Incumbent Stuart Puckett is not seeking reelection. Voters will select two candidates, with the top vote-getters prevailing.

Carl Junction: New Mayor and Board Races

Carl Junction’s election includes a crowded mayoral race and several aldermen contests. Incumbent Mayor Mark Powers is stepping down, prompting five candidates—current Alderman LaDonna Allen, Mike Moss, current Alderman Rick Flinn, Karma Wright, and Tom Paul—to file for the two-year term. On the Board of Aldermen, Hollie LaVigne (Ward 1) and David Pyle (Ward 3) are incumbents seeking reelection, while James Shanks runs for Flinn’s Ward 2 seat and Anita Francis seeks Allen’s Ward 4 seat. The Carl Junction Board of Education has two three-year seats up, with incumbents Larry Cowger and Bob Hays joined by challenger Julia Crow. The top two vote-getters will win.

Check back with NewsTalk KZRG to stay updated on all election news.