The Harney County Court appointed a committee to interview candidates and make a recommendation for appointing a county commissioner to fill the vacancy created by Mark Owens’ resignation.

The committee met and interviewed candidates in an open session Wednesday, Feb. 12. Judge Pete Runnels and Commissioner Patty Dorroh agreed to accept the committee’s recommendation that Kristen Shelman be appointed to fill Owens’ remaining term. The county court will appoint Shelman as the first order of business at the county court meeting on Wednesday, Feb.19.

The interview committee was made up of the following individuals, representing a spectrum of public interests in Harney County: Norm Clark, Katie Baltzor, Barbara Cannaday, Steve Rickman, Gretchen Bates, Judy Erwin, and Pat Horlacher.

For further information, please contact either Judge Runnels or Commissioner Dorroh.