My name is Aaron Mathis and I am seeking re-election to the Dexter R-XI Board of Education. I am married to Brittany, we both graduated from Dexter High School in 2004 and we have three children: Taylor who was a 2020 graduate of Dexter Senior High School, Harper who is currently a 5th grader, and Blake who is finishing his last year at Southwest Elementary. My wife is employed at Mercy Southeast-Dexter in the oncology department, and she also serves as the president of PTO at Southwest Elementary. I work at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter and Bernie. I have been the public address announcer for Bearcat Football for 18 years, and started announcing for the basketball Bearcats a few years ago. I am the president of the Regional Healthcare Foundation, I serve as a trustee at First Baptist church in Dexter where my family and I attend. I’m a member of the Dexter Lions Club, and enjoy supporting 18 Fore Life and Ducks Unlimited.
I have served on the board of education for the past three years. In those three years, I have missed only one meeting. I have also attended CTA meetings, and every student event possible. I support our schools by attending DHS graduations, kindergarten graduations, musicals, plays, STEM tours at the high school, as well as many athletic activities. I take every opportunity to ask questions of administrators, teachers, parents, and students. I try to be very mindful that the school is utilizing taxpayer funds, I consider student needs, and I am diligent about doing research prior to attending a board meeting.
There is no doubt that the number one thing impacting our schools now and in the immediate future is the retention of high quality teachers and administrators. This is an issue not only in Dexter, but across the state. Many high school seniors no longer look toward teaching as a desirable career like they once did. Graduating from a four year university with a starting annual salary of $38,000 is not very enticing and for many it is no longer a financially viable option. As a school board member, I have been a vocal advocate for increased salaries for our classified and certified staff. Additionally, I have sent emails, made phone calls, and talked to our local representatives in person about how the state of Missouri can raise the pay of school district employees.
Our childrens’ education is directly impacted by the interaction and instruction they have with the teachers and administrators they come in contact with every day. I will continue to fight for our staff and students so we can recruit and retain the very best, because it is what our kids and community deserve. I look forward to any questions you may have, feel free to shoot me an email or message, [email=aaron@mathisfuneralhomes.com
Judge Rob Mayer has announced his intentions to seek reelection as the Thirty-Fifth Circuit Judge in Dunklin and Stoddard Counties.
"Twelve years ago, I promised to apply the law fairly, consistently and impartially. We have created a record of doing that here in this circuit," Mayer said. "My experience as an attorney and serving in the legislature put me in a unique position to serve Dunklin and Stoddard counties in the judicial branch. As a judge, I have worked to interpret the law as written and apply the law fairly, consistently, and impartially."
Mayer grew up working on his family's farm and was a radio sportscaster covering high school sports – a hobby he still enjoys. He later worked as an industrial engineering clerk at Arvin Automotive in Stoddard County before returning to college and law school later in life. Rob is a graduate of Dexter High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
As a legislator, Rob Mayer gained a reputation as a leader on many important issues. Mayer has a strong legislative record on pro-life issues. He has also advocated for the expansion of private property rights throughout his service in the legislature.
In the State House of Representatives, Mayer served as Chairman of the House Crime Prevention Committee for two years, passing important bills to fight the methamphetamine drugs epidemic and create Missouri's Amber Alert System. In the Missouri Senate, Mayer served as Vice Chairman of the Senate's Judiciary Committee and passed legislation protecting children from sex offenders and implementing Megan's Law to protect our youth from cyberbullying.
For his work on crime legislation and for recognition of his expertise, Rob Mayer received the Missouri Sheriffs' Association Legislator of the Year and the Missouri Police Chiefs Legislator of the Year Award.
He has received numerous awards for his work on legal issues including the following:
Missouri Bar Legislative Award (2008), Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges Award, University of Missouri Graduate Professional Council Award, Missouri Community College Association's Distinguished Legislator Award, and University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law Alumnus Award.
In addition, Mayer has received the American Legion Legislator of the Year Award, the 2010 Spirit of Enterprise Award from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, the MPCA Champion of Community Health Award, the Voice of Missouri Business Award and the Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award.
Mayer was elected unanimously by both Democrat and Republican members of the Missouri Senate to serve as the first President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate from the bootheel.
"My experience farming, working in a factory, raising a family, and serving as an attorney assisting families and businesses has given me a well-rounded life experience," Mayer said. "I have always been a citizen's lawyer, and as a judge I have worked very hard for the people in our community."
Judge Mayer has presided over numerous jury trials and has willingly accepted assignments outside of the Thirty-Fifth Circuit. In 2013-14, he oversaw the implementation of electronic filing and electronic recordkeeping for Stoddard and Dunklin Counties and later administered the Municipal Court Operating Standards for the municipalities within the district. He has conducted thousands of review hearings with all probationers within his court to assist them in meeting their probation conditions of treatment, employment, and payment of restitution. For defendants suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, Judge Mayer has been a big proponent of referring them to Treatment Court or into faith-based rehabilitation programs with positive results.
Judge Mayer has been honored for his work as a judge by the Missouri Supreme Court by receiving, on multiple occasions, the Daniel O’Toole Award for efficient case management.
Rob and his wife, Nancy (Tuley) Mayer, live in Dexter. They have three sons: Jason, Dustin and Daniel; and also, six grandchildren.
Mayer is active in many community and regional activities. He is a member of the Dexter First Baptist Church, Missouri Farm Bureau, the Stoddard County Bar and Missouri Bar Associations, Dexter Kiwanis Club, Stoddard County Gospel Mission Board, Missouri Delta Center Advisory Member, and previously served on the Missouri Veterans Home Foundations Board.
"I am proud of my record," Mayer said, “but we still have more to do. I have a good working relationship with the bailiffs and court clerks, and we have worked hard to run our courts efficiently. I would be honored to continue serving as Circuit Judge and will continue to apply the law fairly, consistently, and impartially. I humbly ask for your continued support in the August primary election.”
Thomas Forkum has announced that he is running for Stoddard County Sheriff in the November 2024 election.
"I am excited to announce my candidacy for Stoddard County Sheriff. I am currently a Sergeant Detective with the Dexter Police Department and I have a decade of experience in Law Enforcement."
"My plan is to be Focused on the Future with clear ideas in mind. being raised in Bloomfield, I have a deep connection to Stoddard County."
In 2018 he married his wife, Addy, and they now have a most precious blessing, their daughter Emmerie.
They reside in Dexter where they will continue to call this county their home.
They are members of Liberty Hill Church and have built their marriage and family on strong Christian value.
"It is important to me that Stoddard County remains a safe place to grow our family and raise our children. I am thankful to live in a community that supports and encourages Christian beliefs!"
"I look forward to meeting each and every on one you! During my campaign, please LIKE and SHARE my Facebook page as there is more to come!
Click HERE to view the Forkum for Stoddard County Sheriff Facebook page.
Thank you and God Bless!
Thomas Forkum
Republican Sheriff Candidate
Daren Todd announced his candidacy for Judge of the 35th Judicial Circuit. The 35th Judicial Circuit comprises Dunklin and Stoddard Counties.
Todd is a 1991 graduate of Holcomb High School, a 1996 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and a 1999 graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Law.
He has practiced as a Trial Attorney for the 23 years. Todd is the managing partner of Todd and Atwill LLP.
"I am proud and excited to announce my candidacy for Presiding Judge of the 35th Judicial Circuit. I will represent the people of the 35th Judicial Circuit with patience, open-mindedness, compassion, understanding and firmness.
Stoddard County from your sheriff, Carl Hefner, I am announcing that I will be running for re-election this year.
As Sheriff I have always made sure that Stoddard County is the safest County in the area.
While nearly all law enforcement agencies receive their share of criticism, the one thing that cannot be denied is that we remain a county of law and order.
While much of our area faces gun and gang violence, Stoddard County continues to set the standard of keeping our streets safe. There is not a street in this County that I would be afraid to let my grandchildren walk down. As I've done before I will be running a campaign based on my record, integrity, and passion for the safety of our children and grandchildren for years to come.
I am a Republican that is pro-life, and a strong supporter of the second amendment. I believe Jesus Christ is our lord and savior, and that all men are created equal. It is an honor to be a Sheriff who is of the people, by the people, and for the people of Stoddard County. I'm asking for your support in this election to maintain law and order and continue to provide a safe and secure environment for all citizens.
God bless you
Carl Hefner
