The end of qualifying Tuesday also marked the end of two electedofficials’ careers in office and ensured the extension of threemore.

Lincoln County Tax Assessor/Collector Nancy Jordan did not qualifyfor another term in office, announcing instead her intentions toretire after 26 years in the tax office. She said she’d miss herco-workers and the people of Lincoln County, but it’s time to gohome.

“It’s a hard decision, but I think there’s a time when everybodyfeels it’s time to retire. That’s what we all work toward,” Jordansaid. “My husband Darryl retired in August, and I just want toretire with him.”

Jordan first joined the tax office in 1984 as a deputy. She servedin that capacity until 1999 when her boss dismissed her from theoffice after she defeated him in that year’s election. She wasshortly rehired and took control of the office in 2000.

Several of Jordan’s co-workers in the tax office are runningagainst each other for the top title. Jordan said she is supportingApril Byrd Williford, a Democrat.

Williford will face fellows Democrats Becky Bartram, Rita Goss andtax office employee Vewanna Nations in the Aug. 2 primary, withRepublican Mike Jinks and Independent candidate Mavis Stewart,another tax office employee in the race, waiting in the Nov. 8general election.

Tuesday also came and went without the qualifying of Post TwoLincoln County Justice Court Judge Ann Reeves, a one-term judgeelected in 2007.

Democrats Doyle Bratton, Carl Brown, Roger Martin, Martha BristerRobison and Terry Lane Nations and Republican Chris King arecompeting for the seat.

Reeves could not be reached for comment.

Tuesday’s qualifying deadline also put Lincoln County Coroner ClayMcMorris and Lincoln County Surveyor Joe Byrd in line for anotherfour years in office. No one qualified against either man, leavingboth without opposition for the Aug. 2 primary election or Nov. 8general election.

“I’m very happy to be running unopposed. I just want to continue todo this job, a job I’ve been trained to do, for the people ofLincoln County,” he said.

Dee Bates, district attorney for the 14th Circuit Court District,is also running without an opponent. He could not be reached forcomment Wednesday.