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State Rep. Gary Hicks Jr. of Rogersville passed his 10-year mark of service in the Tennessee House of Representatives four days before Christmas.

While there was no doubt that he would seek another term in office, he did make it official Friday, when he picked up his petition at the Hawkins County Election Commission on the first day that petitions for state-level races could be picked up.

No other candidates have filed to contest Hicks’ District 9 seat, and he has not had a challenger since defeating a Democratic opponent in the 2018 general election, where Hicks prevailed with 82.3 percent of the vote. This was also the most recent election where he faced a primary challenge, seeing that off with 66.9 percent of the vote.

Hicks and other candidates who have not filed their petitions yet have until noon on March 10 to do so.

The only other changes in the electoral status of any declared candidates since the last issue of the Review involved getting petitions in order. Incumbent Hawkins County Road Superintendent Danny Jones, who picked up his petition on Dec. 22, turned it in on Friday with valid signatures, and has appointed a campaign treasurer.

Jim Shanks, who also picked up a petition for the office of Trustee Dec. 22, turned his in on Thursday with valid signatures. Last Tuesday, Keith Gibson of Church Hill did likewise in his challenge for the office of Hawkins County Mayor.

A few changes took place in the races for seats on the Board of Commissioners, as well. Steve Armstrong of Surgoinsville filed as an independent candidate in District 2, seeking to appear on the August general election ballot.

Incumbent Glenda Davis and challenger Ted Coppola, both of Rogersville, picked up petitions to run in District 5. Denny Arnold of Eidson and incumbent Nancy Barker of Rogersville each picked up petitions for District 6, which now has four declared candidates.

Bob Larkins of Mount Carmel picked up a petition Friday to run for a full term on the school board in District 1. He was appointed to the board last fall. Tammy Davis of Bulls Gap picked up a petition Thursday to run for the school board in District 7.

Friday was also the first day that candidates wishing to seek a spot on the Rogersville City School Board of Education could do so, but no one picked up a petition on the first day.