County officials sworn in

One of the last tasks of 2022 for Sanders County, and for County Commissioner Glen Magera, was to swear in newly elected officials. The ceremony took place in the courtroom on the third floor of the Sanders County Courthouse last Thursday, with dozens of family members and spectators attending. Several county employees said it was the largest crowd they had ever seen at a swearing in ceremony.

"This is a pretty good crowd for a swearing in ceremony," Magera said before he started the ceremony. Before the main event, however, Commissioner Tony Cox stepped in and recognized Magera for his 12 years as a commissioner. "Glen is a good man. He's very honest and very fair. We're going to miss him," Cox said. Cox then recognized Sheriff Tom Rummel, who ended his 12-year post on Thursday. Cox told of when he was with the Highway Patrol and Rummel with the Sheriff's Office, how the two would "have coffee and cry on each other's shoulders about working nights and holidays." The commissioner thanked Rummel for his years of service and then as has become tradition when a sheriff leaves, Cox and the county gifted Rummel his service pistol.

After the retiring elected officials were recognized, Magera invited up the newly elected officials to be sworn in and sign the oath of office. Commissioners John Holland and Dan Rowan, as well as Sheriff Shawn Fielders, were sworn in for the first time. Officials who were sworn in after winning re-election last November included County Attorney Naomi Leisz, Clerk and Recorder / Treasurer / Superintendent of School Nichol Scribner, Coroner Patrick Barber and Justice of the Peace Doug Dryden. Former Justice of the Peace and City of Thompson Falls judge Don Strine was sworn in as a backup judge.

After the ceremony, Rummel said his plans are to turn off his phone and finish off his "man cave," a shed he recently put on his property. Rummel then reflected on his 12 years as sheriff. "I'm most proud of growing the department," he said, adding that when he started, there were four sheriff's deputies. Now, there are eight deputies, with a ninth coming through union bargaining, he said. Rummel also mentioned the vehicle rotation for the department, ensuring they have good patrol vehicles, as well as the new records management system in the sheriff's office and the planned dispatch center. Though the dispatch center isn't finished, Rummel was proud to get the process started.

Rummel paused when asked what he will miss the most, getting a little emotional as he said "the people." He noted that all of the deputies except Jerry Johnson, who will serve as Undersheriff for Fielders, were hired under his tenure. Rummel also had some advice for Fielders as he takes over the position of sheriff. "He's elected by the people. He needs to listen to the people. You aren't above the people, and he knows that." As for challenges as sheriff, Rummel said there were many. "I tried to do the best I could with the budget and resources I had on hand." Rummel said he is walking away with a smile. "It's been an honor to serve the citizens of Sanders County. It really has."

Magera said his next step is to "catch up on all the work at home" at his ranch in Hot Springs. Magera said he won't miss the daily drive from Hot Springs in the winter time, but he will miss the routine. "I'll miss seeing the people I work with. It will be different."

In his 12 years, Magera noted several projects he was proud of, including updates to the solid waste department from Paradise to Heron, as well as paving at the Hot Springs Airport. "We were able to do that all with funding from aviation fuel taxes and not from the citizens," Magera noted. Like Rummel, Magera also mentioned getting the new dispatch center project going for the sheriff's office.

Magera said he will continue to serve on the Sanders County Council on Aging for at least a year and said there is still work to do at the Hot Springs Airport, so he's not quite done serving Sanders County.

For the new commissioners, Magera had some advice. "Don't believe everything you read on social media," he stressed. "Find out the facts." Magera also commended the staff at the county and advised the new commissioners to use them as a valuable resource. "We have a real good staff at the courthouse. Let them help you and don't be afraid to ask."