Few races contested

The mayor's seats in the northeast Benton County towns of Avoca, Garfield, Gateway and Pea Ridge, as well as several alderman seats, were up for election this year. Filing for municipal seats closed at noon Friday, Aug. 15.

Three towns -- Avoca, Gateway and Pea Ridge -- have uncontested races for mayor and most of their alderman positions. One position in Gateway is contested.

In Garfield, there is a three-way race for mayor with Mayor Laura Hamilton seeking re-election; Gary Blackburn and Gary Eckels are also running for mayor.

Avoca

Mayor

• Jordan W. Sullivan

Recorder/treasurer

• Diane Bowen*

Alderman

Position 1

• Nanette M. Barnes

Position 2

• Dennis Pinkley*

Position 3

• Kathleen L. Hansen

Position 4

• Darlene Gregory*

Garfield

Mayor

• Gary R. Eckel

• Mayor Laura Hamilton

• Gary L. Blackburn

Alderman:

Ward 1, Position 1

• Leonard G. Matthew Jr.

• Dale Watkins*

Ward 1, Position 2

• Malania McGarrah-Carter*

Ward 2, Position 1

• Katherine C. Shook

Ward 2, Position 2

• Ellen M. King*

• Leonard G. Matthew Jr.

Gateway

Mayor

• Frank T. Hackler Jr.*

Recorder/treasurer

• Sherry Robinette*

Alderman

Position 1

• Michael L. Johnannsen*

Position 2

• Carol Pendergraft Frost*

Position 3

• Sharon Barnett*

Position 4

• Dianna Nichols*

Position 5

• Cheryl Ann Tillman*

• Ricky Behrends

Pea Ridge

Mayor

• Jackie Crabtree filed for mayor

Alderman

Ward 1, Position 2

• Bob Cottingham*

Ward 2, Position 2

• Lance S. Sanders