Recently-hired EMS director declines position

By SHEILA G. KELLEY

News editor

Recently-hired EMS director Dave Owen will not be coming to Marion County after all.

“I was very disappointed,” Marion County Commission chairman Dianne Novak said at Tuesday’s meeting. “I announced it about 1½ weeks ago, he accepted. Then he called me to say he would not be taking the position.”

Morris County had made him an offer he couldn’t resist, she said.

“He received a salary increase and all changes he wanted were given to him,” Novak said.

Commissioners will go through applications and interview top candidates again.

Owen did not return a call for comment.

Discussion around the county prompted Lincolnville resident Mike Beneke to bring questions regarding upcoming redistricting.

Beneke offered suggestions from himself and other residents.

Novak said redistricting must be completed by Dec. 31 or the secretary of state will do so.

Novak said she later found out, from talking to Kansas Association of Counties, the new commissioners must be in place 30 days after the redistricting resolution is filed. If not, the governor will appoint someone to the posts.

Novak said statutes require the commission to make the decision. Residents are encouraged to send their suggestions to their commissioner.

EMS employee Jesse Brunner asked to cost share of purchasing three pagers. Commissioners asked him to gather more information and report back.