Panola Countians wishing to seek county or state offices can file a statement of intent Monday-Friday through Feb. 28 in the Circuit Clerk’s office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Panola County Circuit Clerk Joe Reid.

The first primary election will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

County offices to be contested are supervisor, sheriff, chancery clerk, circuit clerk, tax assessor/collector, county attorney and coroner.

A former South Panola football coach, who faces charges of misconduct with underage students, is scheduled this month to face a jury of his peers.

Eldridge D. "Bubba" Bonds, 29, of 21 CR 209, Oxford, will go to trial on Monday, Jan. 13 on charges of sexual battery and forcible rape, according to a spokesman in the Panola County Circuit Clerk’s office. The trial on the two charges will take place before Circuit Judge Ann H. Lamar at the Panola County Courthouse.

Panola County Circuit Clerk Joe Reid said 275 potential jurors have been subpoenaed to report to the courtroom at 8:15 a.m. that morning.

If convicted, Bonds sentence on the sexual battery charge is at the judge’s discretion, and, according to state statute, could carry a maximum sentence of 30 years.

The jury could give life in prison for the forcible rape charge. If the jury can not agree on a sentence, state law says it will also be decided by the judge. The judge cannot hand down a life sentence.

The indictments issued involve a female student under the age of 18.

Bonds’ attorney, Kent Smith of Holly Springs, has a motion pending that would sever the charges so they can be tried individually, Another defense motion asks that the trial be moved out of Panola County, indicating the pre-trial publicity has already prejudiced any potential jurors.

Circuit Clerk Reid said he does not know when the judge will rule on the two motions.

The public event is held to honor Panola County’s elected officials at the state level.

"This is done to honor the elected officials of Panola County and the Governor," Colleen Clark said.

This year’s event will take place Jan. 8, at The Trademark Building and is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Food will be provided by Panola Countians. The Batesville Lions Club will handle the fish frying duties while all other catering will be done by Boonie Mae’s. Entertainment for the event has yet to be determined. A larger than average turnout is expected with this being an election year for county and state officials.

According to the Panola County Assessor’s office, April 1 is the last day to sign up for the exemption.