Primary election will be Tuesday in Oak Grove and the surrounding area, as Missourians from across the state participate in the electoral process to select their political party's candidates for the November general election.

And, depending upon the ballot chosen by each individual voter, candidate selection options will vary.

For example, in the race for 55th district state representative, there are two candidates from which to choose on the Republican Party ballot: Sheila Solon and Mike Parker. Those voters selecting a Democratic Party ballot will have only one choice for 55th district representative, Clay Rodgers.

Current 55th district state representative, Bryan Pratt, is one of three Republican candidates running for the office of 8th District State Senator. Will Kraus and Gary Dusenberg are the other candidates.

On the Democratic side, there are no candidates running for state senator in the 8th district.

To represent the 5th Legislative District in the Jackson County legislature, there are three Republican candidates, Gregory Grounds, Patricia "Pat" Bottcher and Jay Still. There are no Democratic candidates on the ballot for this position.

However, for the Jackson County legislature at-large positions, all the candidates are Democrats: Ray Salva, Jr., and Theresa Garza Ruiz in the 1st district; Henry C. Rizzo, Crystal Williams and Patricia Flucas in the 2nd district; and Fred Arbanas and Terry M. Riley in the 3rd district.

At the state and national levels, there are more choices available. Read more in Focus on Oak Grove.

Gary Dusenberg feels Oak Grove has been left out of decisions that might promote the community and economic growth.

"With the economic downturn most communities and school districts are experiencing budget shortfalls and cutbacks," he said. "Education cutbacks are probably the largest issue facing the 8th district, with the exception of the poor economy and businesses either closing or having a difficult time."

Dusenberg stresses that economic development is vital to the tax revenue of any city.

"Bringing in light industry, new business and new people moving into the community not only helps the tax revenue of a city but also strengthens the overall community. I would work with the governor's office of economic development through a joint effort with the city as well as a bipartisan legislative group to promote Oak Grove," he said. "I believe the most important benefit I can offer Oak Grove voters is being available and responsive to questions and problems that citizens may encounter at the state level." Read more in Focus on Oak Grove.

Will Kraus is running for the State Senate in the 8th district because he believes Eastern Jackson County needs a genuine conservative that represents values.

"I have a history of dedicated, open and transparent service, and I want to continue to serve the people and not special interests in Jefferson City," he said.

Kraus believes that the three most important issues facing the 8th Senatorial District are:

>Funding for education.

>Improving the state's atmosphere for economic growth and lowering taxes on businesses so they can keep more of their own capital to re-invest in jobs for the community.

>Keeping conservative values in government: "I will stay true to my conservative values, listen to the people who elected me, and bring those values to bear on legislation being considered in the Senate," he said.

Kraus feels he can most benefit Oak Grove voters by listening to them, not special interests or political leaders who are more interested in their own careers. Read more in Focus on Oak Grove.

Bryan Pratt is running for the Missouri State Senate, 8th district. Representative Pratt is Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri House of Representatives and an attorney in Kansas City.

Pratt believes the most important issues facing the Oak Grove community are tax relief and balanced budgets, keeping jobs in the community, and keeping schools great.

"I will focus on these three issues in the Missouri State Senate," he said. "I will focus on bringing real tax relief to Oak Grove residents, including property tax relief for senior citizens in our community. I will also fight for tax relief for businesses to keep jobs in our community.

"I will also focus on full funding for Oak Grove schools and fully fund Career Ladder to improve after-school learning," he said. "I love Oak Grove, and will work every day to continue making it a great place to raise a family."

When asked about special issues he would work on for Oak Grove citizens, he said, "I will continue my quest to make I-70 six lanes through Oak Grove. Read more in Focus on Oak Grove.

The Oak Grove R-6 Board of Education meeting July 19 began with a statement from Sue Alexander, board president, noting the death of longtime Oak Grove resident, Hollis Dyer, whom she described as "always there to support our community and our school district." Dyer, a retired Commercial Bank of Oak Grove executive, died Friday.

During the brief meeting, Jerry Girdner, high school activities director, reported to board members that the R-6 Booster Club has raised more than $11,000 thus far this summer to benefit district programs during the upcoming school year.

Girdner noted that fundraising events included:

>Oak Grove Medical Clinic sports physicals fundraiser;

>annual fireworks stand;

>donation from Oak Grove Little League Soccer program;

>Booster Bash Little League Baseball tournament. Read more in Focus on Oak Grove.

Fire destroyed the historic Odd Fellows building on a sultry June day in 2008. Since that time, a gaping hole has been a reminder of that tragedy.

Tuesday morning, work began to repair the wall of Commercial Bank of Oak Grove that borders the structure.

"We are replacing the wall and repairing the roof. We are working with the Odd Fellows, and building our wall first, then they will come in and begin building up against it," Jeff Fortney, bank president, said. Read more in Focus on Oak Grove.