By Jason C. Mattox

With election day about three months away, the field of sheriff’s candidates has again decreased.

According to Circuit Clerk Joe Reid, James “Jimmy” Meek officially withdrew from the sheriff’s race last Thursday.

With the withdrawals of Meek and William Hannah, who has returned to his former position at the jail, only five candidates remain for the November 2 showdown with Interim-sheriff Otis Griffin Jr. for the right to complete the unexpired term of the late Hugh “Shot” Bright.

The remaining candidates along with Griffin include Noel Aldridge Jr., Dennis L. Darby, Mike Darby, Phillip Herron and Richard McCarty.

A third candidate has qualified to run for Justice Court Judge with the winner filling the unexpired term of the late James W. Appleton.

Sardis residents Hal C. Johnson and Mike Wilson have drawn an additional candidate in Billy R. Brown of Como.

Also on the November ballot will be a pair of Circuit Court positions.

Assistant District Attorneys Rhonda Amis and Smith Murphy, both of Batesville, and Charleston attorney William Sanders are all vying to fill the seat being vacated by Judge Andrew Baker.

Former District Atttorney Gerald W. Chatham Sr. will face off with Tunica attorney Stan Little for the newly created Place 4 seat in the 17th judicial district.

Voters are urged to make sure their registration is completed by October 18 or you will not be allowed to vote.

For information on absentee voting, contact the Panola County Circuit Clerk’s office at 563-6210.