In a unanimous decision, Mineral County Undersheriff Mike Boone was appointed county sheriff during the commissioners meeting last Friday, Dec. 8. Three applicants submitted their resumes for the position including Mike Toth who was previously a Mineral County deputy and another man who had recently retired with a law enforcement background who planned to move to Superior from Washington.

After Boone’s appointment there was a round of applause from the small group who had attended the meeting with congratulations all around.

“Thank you so much; we really appreciate your willingness to step up,” said County Attorney Ellen Donohue.

Boone said he appreciates the appointment and he’ll be working to get the jail back open and start the search for an undersheriff. Applications for the 2019 sheriff’s election are due in January 2018. Boone is interested in running but there is still a question as to whether he could remain in the sheriff’s department if he were to lose.

Normally, if an elected official runs for a second term and loses they are out of a job. It is not incumbent of the county to find another place for that person to work in the county, Donohue said. But she believes he would be able to remain because technically this is not his term. Rather he is just filling out the remainder of the term.

County Planner, Tim Read commented that Lake County had a similar circumstance and that person was able to remain in office after filling another sheriff’s term. However, Donohue wants to check into the matter before giving a definitive answer to Boone.

Boone was the undersheriff to Sheriff Tom Bauer who resigned from his position on Nov. 13. Boone was then named Acting Sheriff until the county commissioners could appoint a permanent one. After reviewing applications the commissioners selected Boone expressing that he was the best man for the job.