Clay County State's Attorney Koester Stepping Down

Clay County State's Attorney Andrew Koester is resigning his post, effective Sunday, April 3.

Koester is resigning after working in the state's attorney's office for the past five years. He plans to return to private practice alongside his father, Chris, at Taylor Law Offices in Effingham.

Koester began in the office as assistant state's attorney, then was appointed Clay County State's Attorney when Joel Powless left the office to become Resident Circuit Judge. Koester was later elected to serve as state's attorney.

Cole Hildebrand will continue as assistant state's attorney. In the meantime, the precinct committeepersons of each party will be notified of the opening although the party of the officeholder, in this case the Republicans, will likely choose Koester's successor. The county will have 60 days from the date of Koester's resignation to have a successor in place.