Two Names For Sheriff

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners received the names of two candidates to replace outgoing Columbia County Sheriff Walt Hessler. The names were presented by the Columbia County Republican Party.

Rocky Miller, who is a Washington State Pa- trol officer and Dayton resident was listed by the party as its "first preferred candidate".

The party's "second preferred candidate" is Jeffrey Jenkins, who serves as a Columbia County Sheriff's Deputy.

In a letter to the commissioners, party chair Tom Bensel said, "The committee believes they have selected two solid candidates who could serve Columbia County well."

Hessler submitted his resignation in January, to be effective June 30. According to Washington State law, the Republican Party, under which Hes- sler ran in the most recent election, could make up to three recommenda- tions to replace him. The county commissioners will choose one of those recommendations to be replace Hessler.

The commissioners were expected to address the sheriff selection at their April 3 meeting and announce plans for making their selection.