Three candidates have registered to fill the Lawrence CountyCircuit Clerk’s office that will become vacant Jan. 1, 2008.

Incumbent Circuit Clerk Cindy Stokes has said she will retire atthe end of the present term, her second. She has served in theoffice for more than 21 years.

Candidates qualifying last week for the office include formerChancery Clerk James “Sandy” Brister of Monticello; Patsy Bullockof Jayess; and Monticello Ward Two Alderman Steven A. Moreman.

Incumbent District Four Supervisor Glenn Grubbs, of New Hebron,will be opposed in the primary elections Aug. 7. Stanley L.Stephens of New Hebron has qualified to campaign for theoffice.

Incumbent District Three Supervisor Calvin Rutland, of Jayess,and District Five Supervisor Archie Ross, of Silver Creek, have notqualified, but are expected to seek re-election, said DeputyCircuit Clerk Courtney Atwood.

However, two challengers have qualified to oppose Rutland inDistrict Three. Former Lawrence County Superintendent John Bull, ofJayess, and Jerry L. Wallace, of Jayess, have filed theirqualifying papers.

Incumbent Superintendent of Education Russell Caudill has notfiled, but Atwood said he has picked up his qualifying papers andis expected to seek re-election. Caudill will be challenged byDavid A. “Tony” Davis, of Silver Creek, and Tammy Givens Fairburn,of Jayess.

Incumbent Sheriff Joel Thames, of Monticello, has qualified andwill face a challenge for a third term from Charles White Jr., aMonticello police officer, and Hoyte Dampier, a retired MississippiHighway Safety Patrol trooper.

Based on the number of people who expressed a desire to campaignfor the office Atwood said she expects at least one more candidateto emerge in the sheriff’s race.

Most incumbents have filed their qualifying paperwork. Nocandidate has qualified as a Republican or independent, meaning allso far will be campaigning as Democrats.

Other candidates qualifying so far include:

* District One Supervisor: Incumbent Steve Garrett, of SilverCreek.

* District Two Supervisor: Incumbent Billy Joe Boutwell, ofMonticello.

* Chancery Court Clerk: Incumbent Kevin Rayborn, ofMonticello.

* Tax Assessor/Collector: Incumbent Sherry Hyde Thames, ofMonticello.

* Justice Court Judge, Post One: Incumbent Albert Turnage, ofSilver Creek.

* Justice Court Judge, Post Two: Incumbent Donald G. “Donnie”Mullins, of Monticello.

* Coroner: Incumbent Sidney Fortenberry, of Silver Creek.

* Post One Constable: Incumbent Lessie Butler.

The qualifying period opened Tuesday and will remain open untilMarch 1. The 2007 elections are for all county and state offices.Primaries will be held Aug. 7 with an Aug. 28 runoff, if necessary.The general election will be held Nov. 6.