Candidates beat deadline for March primaries

As campaign news heats up on the national level, Jasper County is also preparing for the primary election March 4.

According to Jasper County Clerk Debbie Newman, the following candidates have filed for a spot on the ballot:

Sheriff- on the Democrat ticket, Ronnie McBride is seeking re-election against Paul Brister and Mitchel Newman; Jim Byerly is running on the Republican ticket.

Commissioners- Charles "Jr." Shofner is seeking re-election to Precinct 1 and is unopposed. Willie Stark is seeking re-election to Pct. 3 and is opposed by Weldon Smith.

Constables- Pct. 1, Kit Stephenson; Pct. 2, Ralph Nichols; Pct. 3, Ronnie Hutchinson; Pct. 4, Gene Hawthorne; Pct. 5, Gerald W. McAdams; Pct. 6, Tommy Robinson is seeking re-election and is opposed by Joe Dunigan.

Also running unopposed is tax assessor-collector Bobby Biscamp.

Early voting in Jasper County will be Feb. 19-23 in the courthouse annex, and Feb. 21-23 at the Kirbyville and Buna subcourthouses, Evadale Fire Station and Browndell Community Center.

In Newton County, Democratic candidates filed for the positions available on the March ballot.

For the Newton County Sheriff's post, incumbent Joe A. Walker will face the challenge of Stephen Lowe and Kenneth L. Jones.

For Newton County, incumbent Commissioner William F. Fuller will face the challenge of Lura Rhodes Jr.

Thomas Fears and Leanord E. Powell will face off for the vacant Precinct 4 Commissioner's seat.

Precinct 1 Constable Mervin Ozan will face the challenge of J.L. Gilbert and Harold Love.

Precinct 2 Constable Billie Lewis is running unopposed for his postion.

Precinct 3 Constable Holton C. (Bubba) Johnson is running unopposed.

Precinct 4 Constable David Coffman has drawn the challenge of Kenneth W. Willis.

Dana Bean and William D. Dunn are running for the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4.

Incumbent Melissa Burks is running unopposed for the tax-assessorcollector post.