By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
After 12 years Ellis County Commissioner, Dean Haselhorst announced his resignation at Monday’s commission meeting.
In a prepared statement Monday, Haselhorst said after purchasing a home built by North Central Kansas Technical College, he relocated it near the family farm in Russell County with the intention of moving when he was done serving as a Ellis County commissioner.
Haselhorst said Monday their home in Hays sold quicker than they had anticipated, and they moved into the new home in Russell County in time for Christmas. Haselhorst was ill and not able to attend the first meeting in January.
In his statement, Haselhorst thanked current commissioners Butch Schlyer and Neal Younger.
“Butch, I always admired your ability to get to the point as health director. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but we always worked it out. As chair, you run a great meeting and are always willing to listen. Neil, I admire your dedication and hard work. You are always willing to get the job done and see that project to the end.”
Haselhorst served three years on the county planning and zoning commission before he was named to the commission by then-Gov. Mark Parkinson.
He also thanked past commissioners, department heads, other elected officials and community leaders.
He added that he is looking forward to the completion of current projects.
“Always remember you represent the whole county. I’m not going far, and only a phone call away. I will always be glad to assist anyway I can,” Haselhorst said.
The Ellis County Republican Party has 21 days to pick a replacement. They will work with precinct members in the Third District to elect someone to fill out the remainder of this year on the commission.
The position will then be on the November general election ballot for a two-year term.