MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District is now down one more board director, as Ron Covey has officially stepped down from his position.

Covey submitted a resignation letter to the board Tuesday night, asking his resignation become effective the next day.

Covey first took office in 2011, and was successful in securing a second term during the district's 2013 election as well. His current term was not set to expire until December 2016.

In his letter, Covey said the district has made some major gains and he feels, "MLIRD has its feet on the ground and that the District is in an all around better position than it was four years ago."

"It is with that thought in mind that I now tender my resignation from the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District," he said.

He wrote he enjoyed working at MLIRD and made lasting friendships with staff, directors and employees.

Covey is the third director to leave the board this year, former directors Mick Hansen and Ken Kernan also stepped down from their positions.

County commissioners appointed Mary Perry to Hansen's seat earlier this year, but have not named Kernan's replacement yet.

The application period for Kernan's position closed last week, and four candidates have expressed interest in the spot. They are past board directors Richard Teals and Norm Benson, realtor Tom Bennett and retired chiropractor Kris Dexter.

Commissioners are currently working on setting a formal interview date. They will end up selecting two candidates after interviews are completed, one to replace Kernan and one to replace Covey, according to office staff.