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0000017b-27e8-d2e5-a37b-7fffd9ff0000Below, check out our coverage of the candidates and issues on municipal ballots in southwest Missouri.The polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4. For local polling or ballot details, find your election authority here.Don't know where to vote? Or have other voter-related questions? Click here.For Greene County voters, find results on election night on the clerk's office website, Facebook, or on Twitter. We'll also be following results from other counties throughout the region.

Bond Issue Before Willard Voters Would Fund Intermediate School, Track

Willard Schools

A school bond issue on the ballot in Willard next week would pay for a new intermediate school and a new track at the high school.

The ballot issue April 4 asks voters to approve a $19.5 million bond issue, which would result in no increase to the debt service levy.

According to Willard Schools Superintendent Dr. Kent Medlin, four percent of the money would go towards the new track.

"Our track surface has deteriorated to the point that it cannot be fixed due to erosion of the foundation of the track by groundwater, Medlin said.

The rest would be used to build the new school on 19 acres adjacent to Willard’s Orchard Hills Elementary on Mt. Vernon St.

He says the current Willard Intermediate School is at capacity.

"We literally have a building that is shoulder to shoulder with students...and we always try to keep our eye focused directly on the students, and they need room, and we need more classrooms," Medlin said.

According to Medlin, by 2019 enrollment in grades five and six in the Willard District is expected to increase by 80 to 100 students.  There are two elementary schools located south of I-44, including Orchard Hills, and Medlin says they are the two fastest growing schools in the district. 

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.