Three men qualify for Marengo County sheriff’s race

As qualifying for primary season closed Friday it became apparent that Marengo County would have a handful of local races culminating in June.

The June ballot will be highlighted by a three-man race for Marengo County sheriff. Incumbent Richard “Ben” Bates of Linden qualified to run again. He will be opposed by James Rick Jones of Sweet Water and Clint Sumlin of Demopolis.

There will also be a pair of races for seats on the Marengo County Commission. Freddie Armstead is the lone qualifier in District 1. Linden’s Terry Hinton Sr. will oppose John Crawford Jr. of Gallion in District 3. Incumbent Michael Thompson of District 5 will face Pettis Lockett, Mark Davis and Thomas Rodgers – all of Sweet Water – in the county’s largest race.

Freddie Charleston of Demopolis and Mike McAlpine of Gallion each qualified for Marengo County Board of Education seats. John T. Scott of Demopolis will return to his role as Marengo County Coroner as he is the lone qualifier in that race. Laurie S. Hall of Demopolis is again the lone qualifier for probate judge.