Precautions to be taken during candidate forums

The public is advised that social distancing guidelines will be followed as closely as possible during an upcoming series of forums for candidates seeking the office of Missouri 40th District State Representative.

The events are scheduled for July 14 in the third-floor courtroom of the Pike County Courthouse in Bowling Green, July 20 on the lawn of the Ralls County Courthouse in New London and July 21 in the third-floor courtroom of the Monroe County Courthouse in Paris.

Each forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last about two hours. Audience levels will be kept to 50 or fewer, and some people may be turned away. People who plan to attend are strongly encouraged to wear face masks and maintain at least six feet distancing. COVID-19 restrictions may force additional changes.

The candidates are Chad Perkins of Bowling Green, Heather Dodd of Madison, Ron Staggs of Paris, Woodrow Polston of Louisiana and Tommy Schultz of Curryville. All are Republicans. No Democrats filed. The primary is Aug. 4, with the last day to register July 8.