Kingery Decides Against Seeking Recount in Coroner's Election; Swearing-In of Elected Officials Monday Morning

Effingham businessman Gerry Kingery has decided against seeking a discovery recount in the county coroner's race.

Once the vote count was finalized following the November 6 election, Kingery had indicated he would seek the discovery recount, where the votes from a portion of the county's precincts would be counted and the county's tabulating equipment would be examined for any problems.

The final vote count actually gave Kim Rhodes a slightly larger lead over Kingery than was announced on Election Night, with vote-by-mail ballots being counted.

Reached by phone Friday afternoon, Kingery said he was gratified that he was able to make such a good showing as an independent candidate and that a lot of good people voted for him. He said following up at this point would probably lead to the matter going to court and said, "I'm not that kind of person."

Meanwhile, Effingham County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel Friday announced that there will be a swearing-in ceremony for those elected to countywide office on the 6th. Those to be sworn in are Sheriff Dave Mahon, Supervisor of Assessments Pam Braun, Coroner Kim Rhodes, and Treasurer Paula Miller. Hirtzel, who was also elected to another term, will conduct the swearing-in. He will be sworn in separately.

The ceremony will begin at 8:30am Monday in the Benson Wood Classroom, located on the first floor of the Effingham County Office Building, 101 N. 4th Street, Effingham, IL.