Rhodes Makes Coroner Candidacy Official

(KIM RHODES WAS SWORN INTO OFFICE AS ACTING CORONER BY COUNTY CLERK KERRY HIRTZEL IN MARCH)

After serving as Effingham County Coroner for the past six months, Kim Rhodes has officially announced her candidacy for the office in the November election.

Rhodes will be the Republican candidate for coroner. Election Day is November 6.

Rhodes said her office has assembled "an outstanding staff of professionals that cover all aspects of the coroner's duties." She said the staff brings "a wealth of knowledge and experience to the coroner's office", involving more than 150 years of public service. That group includes Rhodes' 42 years in law enforcement and as coroner, Jon Paholke of the Shumway Fire Protection District for 17 years, Larry Thies with 30 years as a paramedic and firefighter, Rick Manford with 38 years as a firefighter and in EMS, Bruce Bowen who served as Fayette County Coroner for 17 years, Dr. Ruben Boyajian who is a local surgeon with 40+ years' experience, and Karen Hoene who is the administrative assistant.

Rhodes said all of the staff, except her, are part-time and paid per call.

Rhodes also said, "I will save tax dollars by not taking County retirement or health insurance."

Local resident Gerry Kingery is also running for coroner. He is running as an independent.