A guide to the key races in Dunklin County's April elections

With April elections just around the corner, registered voters in cities throughout the county have a few decisions to make.

Kennett voters will choose between Ward 1 Incumbent Councilor Lisa Dry and her challenger, Matthew Norte, while a Ward 5 seat occupied by Kennett Councilman Bill Palmer will be up for grabs between Jimmy French and Samantha Sebastian. Palmer is stepping down from the position after years of fine representation for Ward 5 residents. Both are two-year terms.

A four-way race for mayor developed at Malden among incumbent Denton Kooyman, former Chief of Police Rod Dill, former Councilman Nick House, and Garry Rogers, Jr. This is a four-year term, and with so many candidates vying for the office, a runoff is nearly certain.

Malden City Council Ward I Incumbent Councilor Lynette Jenkins is challenged by Jack Yielding, while a vacant Ward II seat will be decided by voters between longtime Malden businesswoman Bindy Grant and realtor Nollie Smith Burnett. These are two-year terms.

At Senath, Incumbent Mayor Joe Lane is opposed by Angel Castro, Jr. for a two-year term, according to the ballot.

County voters will choose two representatives for the Salem Township Board among Gary Newman, Joe McLain, Randy Wiseman and Lonnie Long.

There are no contested races beyond these, according to the ballot certified by Dunklin County Clerk Larry Ray.

This is a developing story.