Applicant pulls out; Harding rescinds resignation
The Linn County Republican Central Committee held a required convention on the evening of March 2 for the purposes of appointing a new county attorney. The convention was set up following the announcement by current County Attorney Burton Harding of his intentions to resign his elected position effective the end of March and that his assistant attorney, Justin Meeks, would be leaving the office the first week of April.
Committee Chairperson Jackie Taylor convened the meeting at 6 p.m. and spoke briefly on the events that brought them to the point of holding a convention. Taylor explained that once Harding had tendered his resignation the Republican Central Committee was required by Kansas Attorney General Opinion 90-1 to hold a convention and appoint someone to that position within 21 days or the appointment would be made by the District Court Chief Judge. Taylor then turned the floor over to Harding so that he could better explain the reasons behind his decision to resign.
Harding again cited the more intense work schedule than when he had begun and a need to be available for his family. He went on to note that when he started after his election the job entailed two and half to three days a week of hearings, preparation and meetings and had escalated into a five to six day a week position due to there being more judges and another courtroom, a heavier workload, corresponding to more time required for the position.
Taylor then explained to the precinct people and a few onlookers gathered in the audience that following a request for applications, one person, Tiana McElroy, who is currently serving as appointed County Attorney for Bourbon County, Kan., had submitted her application only to rescind it on Thursday morning prior to the convention.
“She told me she felt that staying where she currently is was a better choice for her right now,” explained Taylor.
Taylor then explained that once that happened, Harding had agreed to rescind his resignation and remain in office, pending approval by the county commissioners to hire a new assistant, through the end of his term rather than leave the county in a lurch.
She then asked Harding to speak on that decision and Harding addressed the crowd, noting it was not his intention to leave the county in a vulnerable position and would agree to stay on for the remainder of his term and hire a new assistant attorney to work part-time to help cover the case load, again noting that that commissioners would need to approve the hiring of an assistant.
Senator Caryn Tyson then asked about the salary increase that commissioners had recently approved and Harding replied that he would stay at his current salary without the increase throughout his term.
“You keep saying ‘if commissioners approve;’ what happens if they don’t?” asked Robin Spencer on more part-time help.
Harding then explained he could be put in a position to sue, and explained that the commission has no legal right to obstruct his office’s ability to complete its duties. Harding further explained that the county already has a part-time assistant attorney and he would simply be adding another part-time person.
He said Miami County has four attorneys and Bourbon County three and he’s trying to run his department with one and one-half.
Following clarifications from Taylor and Harding, Taylor then opened the floor to nominations and Chris Martin nominated Harding to fill the county attorney position. That motion was seconded by Don George and carried on a unanimous vote.
Caryn Tyson then moved to suspend the rules on voting by written ballot and instead vote by acclamation or the raising of hands. Tysons’s motion was seconded by Robert Suppenbach and approved unanimously.
A motion was then made by Karl Kempinger to approve Harding as the candidate and seconded by Stacy Fromdahl and carried on a unanimous vote.
A motion was then made and carried to cease all nominations and the convention adjourned shortly thereafter.
Taylor will submit all proper forms to the governor of Kansas and Harding will remain in office throughout his term.
NEWS
Commissioners vote to remove trash service from Pleasanton unless city signs agreement
Following an executive session for legal matters with attorney Mark Hagen during the Jan. 7 meeting, Linn County Commissioner Danny McCullough noted that the commissioners had been working with cities and communities for some time to bring uniformity and issue resolution to a... [More]
Commissioners learn of taxing options on leased properties
During the meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, which was rescheduled from Jan. 6 due to weather conditions, the commissioners heard a report from Economic Development Administrator Chasity Ware who requested a one-year lease option on a property that will bring it current and match it,... [More]
Pleasanton Council tables water rate change
After broaching the subject of changing how water is billed in Pleasanton last month, the council once again discussed it – this time asking for more concrete numbers on how it would affect the city’s bottom line. Councilman Bill Skipper commented that they can’t... [More]
More News
- La Cygne leaders talk property, kennel
- Pleasanton discusses changing how water is billed
- La Cygne leaders wrap up 2024
- Commissioners discuss landfill projects
- Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Blue Mound, Linn County
- USD 362 proceeds with Vo-Ag fire damage fix
- County exploring option for new fire station
- La Cygne mulls compactor contract
SPORTS
Jayhawk basketball sweeps Northeast Arma
The Jayhawk Linn girls’ and boys’ basketball teams hosted Northeast Arma on the evening of Jan. 3 for a Three Rivers League contest. The Hawks got the better of the Vikings as the girls won 52-14 and the boys won 60-40. In the girls’ game it was close in the... [More]
Jayhawk Wrestling Champions
Jayhawk Linn wrestling put up multiple champions and medalists in their respective tournaments on Dec. 21. The boys’ team went to Emporia while the girls’ team went to Atchison County. Pictured are the first place medalists from their respective tournaments, left... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball earn wins at Miami
- Jayhawk girls’ wrestling competes at ACCHS Girls Invitational
- Jayhawk Linn girls’ basketball wins Linn County Tournament
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball places second at Linn County Tournament
- Prairie View girls’ basketball places second at Linn County Tournament
- Prairie View varsity girls’ wrestling compete at Spring Hill
- Jayhawk varsity girls’ wrestling start season at KanOkla tournament
- Prairie View football sets multiple school and individual records
COMMUNITY
60 years of friendships and memories
Furse retires from F&M Bank board Barbara Furse began her career with the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Mound City on Nov. 1, 1964. “The bank was owned by Orval Hennesy at that time and was located in the original building across the street from where... [More]
Baby birth, voting… almost rolled into one package
There is nothing like the birth of a child for a family, and the birth of two-month old Kit Victoria Oberlechner was no different; but the birth had added meaning as Kit was able to accompany her parents to the voting booth Nov. 5. Trenton Oberlechner said that he and wife,... [More]
Kellstadt opens new business in Mound City
After 29 years in health care practice, most recently at CHCSEK, Rhonda Kellstadt, APRN, decided it was time to step away from the more regimented clinic setting and branch out in a different direction. “It was just time for a change,” stated Kellstadt, who recently... [More]
More Community
- PVHS holds Career Day
- Powells named BC Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year
- Across Kansas on a spiritual journey
- Prairie View FFA wins 2024 East Central District Dairy Cattle CDE
- JLHS cheerleaders to perform in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
- Regalado named as new director for Hive Library
- Taco Dinner and auction set for Oct. 19 to aid Ray of Hope
- Handcart donated to museum restored by local craftsman