Sanders County attorney resigns, commissioners seek replacement
HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 days, 11 hours AGO
RURAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER, REPORT FOR AMERICA Hannah Shields covers rural government and accountability reporting for the Daily Inter Lake and Northwest Montana weekly papers as part of the national Report for America program. Her reporting focuses on transparency, public spending and the impact of local government decisions on small communities. Shields has covered issues ranging from school district finances to development disputes and rural infrastructure projects. She regularly uses public records and investigative reporting to examine institutions that affect local residents. Her work helps bring greater oversight and visibility to rural government across Northwest Montana. IMPACT: Hannah’s work strengthens transparency and accountability in rural communities that often lack consistent watchdog coverage. | October 28, 2026 12:00 AM
Sanders County is hiring a new county attorney for the third time in three years.
Former County Attorney Jania Hatfield, who ran 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.
ARTICLES BY HANNAH SHIELDS
Montana GOP says it will deploy Republican poll watchers on Election Day
The Montana Republican Party confirmed Thursday it will deploy trained Republican poll watchers across the state for the Nov. 3 general election.
Flathead County commissioners greenlight first phase of luxury resort in Lakeside
Arizona-based Discovery Land Company is behind the 1,700-acre subdivision west of U.S. 93 in Lakeside. The members-only resort will include single-family lots, a golf course, spa, restaurants, retail stores, offices and management facilities at full build-out.
Election 2026, County Commissioner: Incumbent Republican Abell highlights his past success
Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abell, 67, is fired up at the possibility of a second six-year term in office.