The vetting committee  held a public meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14, to interview six applicants, and make a recommendation to the county court to fill the forthcoming vacancy in the office of Commissioner Position No. 2, currently held by Pete Runnels.

Present were Scott Franklin, Paul Gray, Matt Zander, Wayne Smith, Kenny Bentz, Beverly LaFollette, Julie Weikel, County Judge-Elect Pete Runnels, County Commissioner-Elect Mark Owens, and County Clerk Dag Robinson.

Runnels and Owens explained the questions they had of the applicants, and the committee added questions they wanted to ask. The group then agreed on the questions to be asked of the applicants. The committee chose Bentz to act as chair of the committee, and Runnels and Owens excused themselves for the remainder of the day. Robinson remained in the meeting to serve in a recording secretary capacity only.

The six applicants were Tiny Pedersen, Rob Frank,  Shana Withee, Dan Nichols, Patty Dorroh, and Herb Vloedman.

Upon completion of the interviews, Owens and Runnels rejoined the committee to listen to the deliberation of the committee. The committee, by consensus, recommended Dorroh be appointed to fill the vacancy, with Rob Frank as the alternate.

The county court will consider the recommendations and make an appointment to fill the vacancy on Jan. 4 at the county court meeting.

The newly-elected officials will take their oaths of office at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, in the courthouse foyer. The attorney general has advised the officials should take their oaths on that date, because Monday, Jan. 2, is a legal holiday.

From 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Dec. 30, the county is hosting a public open house to honor the retirement of  Judge Steve Grasty, Commissioner Dan Nichols, LaDene Hurd, and Ross Otley. The public is invited and welcome to attend.