As we near the Primary Election next Tuesday, August 4, the Advertiser reached out to local candidates in contested county-wide races for Presiding Commissioner and Treasurer.

Each candidate answered a series of questions to give voters a chance to read their views before heading to the voting booths.

Two candidates are running in the Republican Primary for Presiding Commissioner. They are incumbent Jerimiah Johnmeyer and challenger Jared Wies.

Two Republicans and an independent candidate are running to replace outgoing Treasurer Susan Keyton, who announced she will retire after two decades of service. Stacie McCutcheon and Michelle Johnmeyer will face one another in the GOP primary. Independent candidate Sarah Thompson will not be on the ballot for the August Primary but will face the Republican winner during the November General Election.

Voters will also be allowed to vote for or against four proposed amendments to the Missouri Constitution.

Sample ballots, a list of polling places, and a message from Howard County Clerk Shelly Howell appear on Page 6 of this newspaper.

The August Primary will see the return of an old Howard County custom. Results will be “cried” from the steps of the Howard County Courthouse as they become available. Mark Belcher will be this year’s crier. So bring your lawn chairs and make a night of it on the courthouse lawn.

The Advertiser will also publish the outcomes of the primary races on Facebook and X as soon as tallies become available.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Howard County Presiding Commissioner

Jerimiah Johnmeyer

Why are you running for the position of Howard County Presiding Commissioner?

I initially ran for Presiding Commissioner in 2018 for the simple fact that I did not like the way the county was being run. I thought I had a choice to just complain about it or seek election and change it. Since I have been in office, I have found that I enjoy problem solving. I have the privilege to work with great people in our community and enjoy that as well. I am seeking reelection because I like being part of the solution to our great community and providing a service for the citizens in our county.

What are your qualifications?

I have been self employed as a farmer since 2000. Where I learned how to stretch a dollar and dedicate myself to the task at hand. In 2014 I started a small trucking company and seceded at that until government regulations got in the way. Needless to say I am not in favor of big government. In 2023 I helped my sons start a successful fencing business. Over the past seven and a half years I feel like I have proven I am qualified to preform my job as presiding commissioner. We have maintained a balance budget and passed several audits while I have been in office. I have worked with FEMA and SEMA mutable times on different weather events.

If elected, what are your priorities for the county?

If I am reelected, I will conduct business in the same manner that I have for the past 7 and a half years. By being conservative and strategic planning to sustain a balanced budget and keep the county in the black for years to come.

How can the county bring in additional revenues without raising taxes? Are there ways to cut taxes?

We have a very active economic development board and council that is constantly looking for ways to help existing businesses stay in business and opportunities for new businesses to come to the county. Howard County has a certified industrial park and shares a Port with Cooper County. I am not sure about ways to cut taxes but all the current elected officials are very conservative and stretch the current tax dollars without coming to the citizens for a tax increase.

The Road & Bridge department receives a lot of attention. What other areas around the county need additional attention/funding?

I don’t feel like the road and bridge department receives any more attention than any other department. But I believe most people think that road and bridge is the only department the commission is over. In reality we are equally over the health department, EMA, and the county buildings and grounds. We do have an aged infrastructure of buildings that are constantly needing work. When the county received roughly $1.8 million in ARPA funding we used all that money for infrastructure repairs, fixing major items. As far as other departments that needs attention, the Sheriff’s department in my mind needs the most attention. The jail is a big expense in keeping the facility safe and caring for the detainees. We help the Sheriff’s department all we can. We have been able to purchase several new vehicles in the past 6 years for the department. A concern I have for the future is the health department is funded by a lot of grant money and with the state doing budget cuts, how is that going to affect their grant funding. When I came in office the state funded half of the EMA department and the county funded the other half now with state budget cuts the county funds the majority of that department.

Jared Wies

Why are you running for the position of Howard County Presiding Commissioner?

I am running for Howard County Commissioner because I want to continue serving the people of Howard County and use my experience to make practical, responsible decisions.

What are your qualifications?

I’m a lifetime resident of Howard County. I’ve spent 18 years with the Howard County Road and Bridge Department and have farmed for many years, giving me firsthand knowledge of planning, budgeting, and how to meet needs of our county.

If elected, you’ll see me out on the county roads working closely with Road and Bridge employees, especially during severe weather events such as flooding, and working closely with FEMA. I am more than willing to step in when a Road and Bridge employee is sick or on vacation in any position.

If elected, what are your priorities for the county?

My priorities are improving county roads where I feel infrastructure starts so the residents can make it to town to the Courthouse, businesses, and schools. Another goal is ensuring our Sheriff’s Office and county jail are properly funded to keep our communities and schools safe. I would like to look back at the budget from 10 or more years before the COVID money was issued to ensure Howard County stays on the map without riding the pandemic paycheck. I will work to be fiscally responsible, accessible to residents, and a strong advocate for all of Howard County.

How can the county bring in additional revenues without raising taxes? Are there ways to cut taxes?

As of right now, not knowing where the budget stands for Howard County I can’t really say at this time. As I was out campaigning, I spoke with several residents throughout the county and the feedback was mixed. Some said there was a need to raise taxes for equipment, rock and infrastructure supplies. While the others thought taxes should be lowered. This is where the commissioners are going to have to get together and come up with a plan to manage county resources responsibly and look for opportunities to reduce costs through efficiency and partnerships and get serious about any grants that could help achieve this.

The Road & Bridge department receives a lot of attention. What other areas around the county need additional attention/funding?

While roads and bridges will always be a priority, we also need to ensure our Sheriff’s Office and county jail have the funding, staffing, and equipment they need to keep our communities safe. We should continue investing in county equipment and facilities so employees have the tools to work efficiently and provide reliable services. Supporting and retaining good county employees is also important, as experienced workers are essential to serving our residents well. My goal is to balance these needs while being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

Howard County Treasurer

Stacie McCutcheon

Why are you running for the position of Howard County Treasurer?

I am running for Howard County Treasurer because I have the experience, trustworthiness, and determination to effectively serve our county in this capacity. My family has made a commitment to help Howard County be an inclusive and thriving place for its citizens to grow and live, and this is one way I can continue that effort. 

What are your qualifications?

I have proven experience in business banking and financial management, along with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from the University of Missouri. My professional background includes careful record keeping, fiscal operations, and a strong commitment to service. I have a genuine heart for service and a drive to see our county thrive.

If elected, what are your priorities for the county?

The Treasurer’s office demands careful stewardship of public funds and I am committed to prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and outstanding service to support every taxpayer and help meet the county’s essential needs.

The office of Howard County Treasurer is a full-time job. Is it your intention to maintain full-time hours?

Yes, I believe the Treasurer should be accessible and engaged. I plan to be present in the office or volunteering in the community, available to serve the public, answer questions, and ensure taxpayers receive the dependable service they deserve.

The County Treasurer is allowed to invest surplus county funds (RSMo Chapter 110). What are your ideas for investing taxpayer money in a safe, yet effective manner?

Per RSMO Chapter 110, I would continue to follow state mandated procedures by working with the county commissioners and utilizing an open bidding process. This procedure ensures that the follow three priorities are optimized: returns are maximized, deposits are always insured, and that Howard County financial institutions are given priority in holding county funds.

Michelle Johnmeyer

Why are you running for the position of Howard County Treasurer?

Howard County has been my home for over 30 years.  I have raised my family here and now they are raising their families here. I have spent most of my professional career working in Howard County. The current office holders are a dedicated team that focus on fairness and using our hard-earned tax dollars to keep our county strong for years to come. I believe my hard work; team player attitude will benefit our already dedicated team at the Courthouse.

What are your qualifications?

My professional career has been in healthcare. I have had the privilege to learn and grow in this fast-paced industry.  I have held many positions ranging from direct patient care, insurance billing, insurance authorizations, physician scheduling, budgeting and management.  I pride myself on my strong work ethic, dedication, attention to detail and the ability to take on any task with transparency and a positive attitude.

If elected, what are your priorities for the county?

My focus will be on keeping accurate records of our tax dollars and to keep those funds safe and secure for the future growth of our county.

The office of Howard County Treasurer is a full-time job. Is it your intention to maintain full-time hours?

My intention is to be available for the County as much or as often as I am needed. I plan to have the office open during regular Courthouse hours but will be available for unforeseen circumstances as needed.

The County Treasurer is allowed to invest surplus county funds (RSMo Chapter 110). What are your ideas for investing taxpayer money in a safe, yet effective manner?

These decisions would be a team effort between the County Commissioners, County Clerk and the Treasurer.  Bank bids go out every 3 years. The team should review those together then choose the most secure option that would still allow the county to access those funds if/when needed. 

Attending meetings with other Treasurers of our state to keep up to date on what other counties have found to be safe and effective and bringing that knowledge back to our elected officials.

Sarah Thompson

Why are you running for the position of Howard County Treasurer?

I am running for Howard County Treasurer because I believe our county deserves a Treasurer who is committed to accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Throughout my career, I have worked in positions that require careful planning, financial oversight, problem-solving, and attention to detail. I understand the importance of managing resources responsibly and ensuring that every dollar is accounted for. I want to use those skills to serve the citizens of Howard County and help ensure our county’s finances continue to be managed with integrity and efficiency.

As a resident of Howard County, I care deeply about our community and its future. I am running to bring a practical, results-driven approach to the Treasurer’s office while providing dependable service to taxpayers.

What are your qualifications?

I currently work as an International Distribution Load Planner for Hubbell Power Systems in Centralia. My responsibilities include coordinating domestic and international shipments, analyzing transportation costs, managing resources, and making data-driven decisions that impact company performance.

My position requires a high level of accuracy, organization, and accountability every day. I regularly work with financial data, forecasting, reporting, and cost-management decisions. Success in my profession depends on attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to manage resources responsibly, all qualities that are critical for serving as County Treasurer.

In addition to my professional experience, I am committed to serving the public with honesty, transparency, and diligence.

If elected, what are your priorities for the county?

My priorities as Treasurer would be to protect taxpayer funds, maintain accurate and transparent financial records, and provide professional and responsive service to the citizens of Howard County.

I would also focus on ensuring county funds are managed efficiently and invested responsibly within the guidelines established by Missouri law. I believe government operates best when it is transparent, accountable, and focused on serving the public. As Treasurer, my goal would be to ensure residents have confidence that county funds are being managed carefully and responsibly.

The office of Howard County Treasurer is a full-time job. Is it your intention to maintain full-time hours?

Yes, I fully understand that the Treasurer’s office is an important position of public trust and responsibility. If elected, I intend to devote the time and attention necessary to effectively perform the duties of the office and be accessible to the citizens of Howard County.

Taxpayers deserve a Treasurer who is engaged, committed, and dedicated to serving the county, and that is exactly the approach I would bring to the position.

The County Treasurer is allowed to invest surplus county funds (RSMo Chapter 110). What are your ideas for investing taxpayer money in a safe, yet effective manner?

I believe county funds should be invested in safe, low-risk options allowed by Missouri law, such as CDs and government-backed investments. The county’s funds should also be reviewed regularly to make sure they are earning the best return possible while still being available when needed.

My goal is to be a careful steward of taxpayer dollars, keep county funds secure, and make sure they are working for the people of Howard County.