CAPE GIRARDEAU:
Familiar Faces Return to the School Board
Cape Girardeau voters re-elected Matt Welker to a third term on the Public Schools Board of Education and welcomed back Lynn Ware, who previously served from 2012 to 2021. Ware replaces outgoing board member Veronica Langston.
- Matt Welker: 1,966 votes (35.43%)
- Lynn Ware: 1,541 votes (27.77%)
“It’s an honor to win any election, but especially one that allows me the opportunity to represent the district that I love,” Welker said. “I’m very appreciative of all the support. I ran this not just for me, but for the district.”
“I’m humbled by the trust, support, and love I’ve received from voters,” said Ware. “It’s my goal to continue doing my very best for our school district. I’m excited to get started.”
In the Cape Girardeau City Council, special election Bryan Johnson secured the Ward 5 seat. Meanwhile, the Cape Girardeau Public Library’s Proposition L received overwhelming voter support, reinforcing the city’s commitment to literacy and lifelong learning. The measure extends an existing property tax originally passed in 2007, which supports library programming, staffing, and maintenance. The library can move forward with strategic goals, including a proposed bookmobile service to reach underprivileged families who may not have access to transportation.
Transportation Trust Fund 7 Renewed For Another Five Years
Cape Girardeau’s Transportation Trust Fund 7 (TTF 7)—a half-cent sales tax for city street and infrastructure improvements—was renewed with 2,467 “yes” votes and 890 “no” votes.
“There’s a lot of voter confidence in this program,” said Mayor Stacy Kinder. “It’s been in place for 30 years, and the community has seen the value firsthand.”
Planned TTF 7 projects include:
General Maintenance
- Asphalt Maintenance & Overlay: $3 million
- Concrete Repair: $7.25 million
- Streetscape & Sidewalks: $1.25 million
Major Projects - Mount Auburn Road (Hopper to Independence): $5.5 million
- Perryville Road (Cape Rock to Perry): $3.5 million
- South Sprigg Street (William to Highway 74): $4.5 million
Poplar Bluff-Butler County.
Voters have rejected two separate issues that would have helped raise funds for schools in Butler County.
Voters in the Poplar Bluff School District rejected a proposed bond measure aimed at expanding and improving school facilities, including a major renovation of the district’s Early Childhood Center. The measure was defeated by a margin of more than two to one. The proposed bond would have funded facility upgrades and expansions across the district, but concerns about taxes and the scope of the project appeared to outweigh the perceived benefits.
In the neighboring Twin Rivers School District, voters narrowly rejected Proposition C.A.R.E., which would have allowed the district to borrow $8 million for construction of a new junior high school on the Broseley campus, along with improvements to Qulin and Fisk Elementary Schools. The proposal failed by a vote of 314 to 226, falling short of the simple majority needed to pass.
Poplar Bluff R-1 will welcome a new member following Tuesday’s election. Incumbent Dr. Cynthia Brown retained her seat, while newcomer Mike Moss secured the second open spot, unseating current board member Roger Hanner, who finished third. Other candidates Lynn McCormack and Heather Rommell trailed behind in the final vote tally.
Sikeston:
Ward 4 Votes In Lorenzo Ware Sr.
Lorenzo M. Ware Sr. won Sikeston’s Ward 4 City Council seat, defeating Nicole “Nikki” Lane with 136 votes to 62. Ware will be the first African American man to represent the ward in over a decade.
“I’m deeply grateful for the support and confidence the community has placed in me,” Ware said. “This is a moment of responsibility, not just celebration. I want to listen, lead, and build a stronger future together. The real work starts now.”
Other races in Sikeston included:
- Matthew Drake (Councilman at-large): 822 votes (743 in Scott County, 79 in New Madrid)
- Tom Robison (Ward 1): 387 votes
Voters also approved the renewal of the Capital Improvement Sales Tax, 687 “yes” to 360 “no”.
Haywood City
Voters in the Village of Haywood City selected three trustees to serve two-year terms on the village’s Board of Trustees. Elected to the board were Johnny Avance, Sally Porter, and Solomon Stewart.
In the Scott County Central School Board race, voters chose two members to guide the district’s leadership. Travis Glueck won a seat with 57% of the vote, while Alice Harper earned 34%, securing the second open position.
Additionally, voters elected Carmen Thomas to a separate seat on the board. Thomas, who ran for a term expiring in April 2026, received a commanding 92% of the vote.
Regional Roundup: Results From Across Southeast Missouri
Kennett:
- Ward 1: Lisa Dry (120), Matt Norte (53)
- Ward 5: Jimmy French (170), Samantha Sebastian (23)
- School Board (vote for 2): Matt Freeman (558), Larry Boone (468)
- Bond Issue passed: 619 to 204
Malden - Mayor: Denton Kooyman (350), Rodd Dill (158), Nick House (121), Gary Hodges Jr. (18)
- Ward 1: Lynette Jenkins (73), Jack Yielding (9)
- Ward 2: Bindy Grant (108), Nollie Burnett (15)
- School Board (vote for 2): Russell Miller (459), Heather Beckett (405)
Senath - Mayor: Joe Lane (148), Angel Castro Jr. (130)
Arbyrd - North Ward: David McCoy (22), Johnny Zolman (16)
- South Ward: Bruce Leonard (17), Brandy George (4)
Campbell - Mayor: Charlie Jackson (193), Randall Baker (145), Brian Wicker (44)
- Ward 1: Jacob Weeks (173), Ricky Talcott (47)
- Ward 2: Cale Weeks (86), Joyce Eskew (43), Cary Whorton (29)
Holcomb - North Ward: Debra Padgett (14), Jason Champlin (4)
Hornersville - Mayor: Terry Lee (86), Chris Coleman (73)
Salem Township Board (vote for 2) - Randy Wiseman (201), Gary Newman (198), Joe McLain (176), Lonnie Long (114)
