Hanson County sheriff resigns

The Hanson County commissioners accepted the resignation of Sheriff Mark Kessler on Tuesday and appointed former Deputy Randy Bartlett as interim sheriff.

Part-time Deputy Jim Lentsch, who will challenge Bartlett as an independent in the November election, has also resigned from his position, Bartlett said late Tuesday.

“I’m working alone until we can find guys to fill in,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a huge challenge, but we’ll make it work.”

Deputy Ernie Anderson of the Sanborn County Sheriff’s Office confirmed reports that Kessler has accepted a deputy’s position with that county.

Bartlett, a Republican, was a deputy under Kessler.

Kessler fired Bartlett in late January when Bartlett announced plans to run for sheriff. Kessler accused him of disloyalty.

The commissioners, however, refused to dismiss Bartlett, stating that he was wrongly terminated because Kessler did not follow the county policy manual regarding dismissals.

Bartlett was reinstated over Kessler’s objections and has since remained a county employee.

Bartlett beat Kessler, a twoterm incumbent, in the June 8 Republican primary with a vote of 327 to 255.

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