With qualification deadline for most local races falling at noon Thursday, a flurry of activity has led to some formerly uncontested races becoming contested.While flirting with a run for District Attorney General for a while, local attorney Robert Newman made it official Valentine’s Day when he filed to run against incumbent Lisa Zavogiannis in August. Newman, who was defeated by Zavogiannis in the Democratic Primary eight years ago before she went on to unseat then-incumbent Dale Potter in the August General Election, will run as an Independent this time, meaning the two will not meet until August.At present, Zavogiannis and Newman are the only two apparent candidates since no other papers are out.“We still had papers being picked up for offices Tuesday,” said election administrator Donna Smith. “They have until noon Thursday to return the papers with the required signatures.”Along with Zavogiannis now being officially challenged, Circuit Court Clerk Bernie Morris could face a contested race for the first time in years.Former sheriff’s deputy Ramsey Womack has picked up papers to run for Circuit Court Clerk.