Sanders County is hiring a new county attorney for the third time in three years.  

Former County Attorney Jania Hatfield, who is running unopposed for reelection this November, resigned Oct. 5 for another position. Her last day was Oct. 23, marking nearly two years since she took over for former County Attorney Megan Hansen on Oct. 28, 2024.  

Commissioners appointed Deputy County Attorney Kate Kuykendall last week to act as interim county attorney, while they search for a permanent replacement.  

Advertisement for a new county attorney was placed on the Montana Association of Counties website and the local newspaper, said Human Resources Director Rich Wallace, and additional ads will go out in 65 newspapers statewide this week.  

Other recruitment efforts include contacting previous applicants for the position and the University of Montana Lewitt Law School.  The annual salary for Sanders County is approximately $135,000. 

The position has seen a wave of turnover since former County Attorney Rob Zimmerman retired in December 2018 after nearly 20 years of service. Naomi Leisz preceded him in 2019 but left before her term ended on July 3, 2023. The county hired Hansen two months later, on Sept. 5, until she left office on Oct. 8, 2024, according to Wallace. 

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.