With the announcement last week that Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen will not be seeking reelection in 2022, a couple of local citizens have already thrown their hat in the ring. McMillen is the longest serving DeKalb County elected official in county history, is ending his nine-term, 36-year run in public office.

On the Republican side, Daniel Seber has announced that he will be seeking the nomination for Register of Deeds office. He is the son well known Minister Bro. Thurman Seber and his wife Laura. He was the youngest sibling of four, including the late Dr. David Seber, Peggy Seber Leach, and Sandy and Randy Morris. He grew up in the Liberty area, but has called Smithville home for the last 25 years.

Seber is married to Amy Crawford Seber, and has one daughter, Elizabeth, a senior at DeKalb County High School. He currently works as a special education teacher at DCHS, and worked with adults at Prospect before that. He and his family are members of the Mount Hope The Baptist Church.

“I think I would be a good fit for the position and could do a good job,” Seber said. “Jeff has done a wonderful job, and I appreciate everything he’s done over the last 36 years. I love people and love DeKalb County. I am a Conservative, and a Christian. I’ve prayed over it, and look forward to serving the citizens of this great county if given the opportunity.”

On the Democrat side, another well-known face is making a run for the office. Shelby Reeder announced that she will be a candidate for the DeKalb County Register of Deeds Office in the May 3, 2022, DeKalb County Democratic Primary.

Shelby is married to Joey Reeder, longtime teacher, coach, and administrator with the DeKalb County Board of Education. They have one daughter and son in law, Paige and Byron Adcock. Paige works for the Tennessee Department of Human Services and Byron is employed by DTC Communications. The Reeder’s also have two beautiful granddaughters, Stella Grace and Lakelynn Emery Adcock.

Reeder was employed for 25 years as an Optometric Assistant at Foutch Eyecare in Smithville. Following a brief time of semi-retirement she joined the staff of DeKalb County Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen in July, 2018.

Reeder said, “During my three years of working alongside Jeff in the Register of Deeds Office, I feel that I have gained the knowledge, skills, and experience to operate the Register of Deeds Office in the manner the citizens of DeKalb County deserve.”

“The people of DeKalb County have been good to me and my family for a number of years and I am seeking the opportunity to give back to the community I love. As we begin this journey, I would be humbled and honored with your prayers and support during the months ahead and I look forward to seeing you,” said Reeder.