New coroner appointed

Sanders County Commissioners chose a new coroner on Monday. Greg Davis, who has served as a deputy coroner for more than six years, was chosen to fill the position after Coroner Patrick Barber resigned earlier this month to accept a position as a deputy with the Sanders County Sheriff's Office.

Commissioner Tony Cox said that Davis had the experience and the qualifications and had been performing the duties under Barber. "Pat has been very, very good for the office," Cox said of the former coroner. He added that "everything we've seen from Greg Davis has been superb." Commissioner Dan Rowan said he concurred and made the motion to appoint Davis to the position. The vote was 2-0 in favor of appointing Davis. Commissioner John Holland was not at the meeting.

The commissioners last week interviewed two candidates for coroner, including Davis and Darlene Lee, who also is a deputy coroner for the county.

Davis is a retired Army veteran and has been working in emergency services in Sanders County for 25 years. He grew up in Plains and moved back in 1998 after he retired. Along with working as a deputy coroner, Davis has been an EMT with the Plains Community Ambulance. He also serves as a board member for the Plains ambulance, but said he will be stepping down from that position.

Davis said he is ready for the next step in his career. "I like being an advocate for descendants and their families," he explained. "Losing Pat is a great loss but I'm sure he'll serve the community well as a deputy," Davis added.