Judge Beetem to seek third term

Cole county circuit judge Jon Beetem speaks to the deputy solicitor general, Jeremiah Morgan, and lawyer Christopher N. Grant on Friday. Grant represented plaintiff Sean Soendker Nicholson.
Cole county circuit judge Jon Beetem speaks to the deputy solicitor general, Jeremiah Morgan, and lawyer Christopher N. Grant on Friday. Grant represented plaintiff Sean Soendker Nicholson.

Cole County Judge Jon Beetem has announced he will run for re-election as a circuit judge in Cole County.

Beetem has been elected twice, in 2006 and 2012. The term for this office is six years.

Beetem noted in fiscal year 2017 more than 4,300 civil and 750 criminal cases were filed in the Cole County Circuit Court, making it one of the busiest courts in the state.

Along with regular civil and criminal caseloads, Beetem had primary responsibility of the juvenile docket.

The judge noted the juvenile court, thanks to support from the Cole County Commission, has developed a number of "innovative programs," which include parenting classes, life skills classes, supervised visitation and the Court Appointed Special Advocates. The CASA program has more than 60 volunteers who, along with therapy dog Olive, provide a voice and support children involved in the juvenile system through no fault of their own.

Beetem also has been involved with programs to reduce pre-trial delays and unnecessary pre-trial detention. He is recognized by the Missouri Supreme Court as a resource judge for cases with complex and technical evidence issues.

Filing for countywide offices opens Tuesday and runs through March 27. The primary election will be in August and general election in November.