Wagner selected to serve as interim sheriff

During an Adams County Commissioners meeting on Monday, Aug. 31, a new interim sheriff was appointed.

Undersheriff Dale Wagner has been appointed to serve and assume all acting duties of the sheriff position. Wagner was present during this meeting and accepted the responsibility of the interim position.

Adams County Sheriff John Hunt submitted his resignation early this summer, which went into effect midnight on Aug. 31. The commissioners were not to be in session again until Sept. 2, which would cause the position to be unoccupied for a full day.

The commissioners voted to appoint an interim Sheriff right away to ensure continuity for the office.

If the board did not choose to appoint someone, the coroner would become sheriff until someone was selected.

This interim period can be up to 60 days until an election is held to select a new sheriff. During Wagner’s time as sheriff, prior to the election, any appointments he makes are considered null once the new sheriff is chosen.

It was decided to have Wagner sworn in by a judge on Aug. 31, this along with the formal resolution makes Wagner the acting elected official.

The Adams County Republican Party has three applicants for the position. They plan to rank these applicants on Sept. 9 and submit them to the board for their Monday, Sept. 14, meeting.

The board has stated they plan to have a permanent appointment in place by the end of September.