Cole takes chairman's gavel

Breaking with years of tradition, the Lincoln County commissioners elected Eureka commissioner Mike Cole as chairman in their first meeting of the year on Wednesday.

The post, previously held by Tony Berget, is traditionally held by the commissioner who is next up for election. Commissioners are elected to six-year terms on a rotating cycle, so one commissioner is up for election every two years.

Following tradition, the chairmanship would rotate to Troy Commissioner Greg Larson, whose term will expire in 2016. Larson, however, has served less than a year on the commission, after being appointed to replace retiring commissioner Ron Downey in the summer of 2014.

Cole said he is “looking forward to the challenges. We have a great commission and I’m looking forward to the work, to taking care of the challenges in front of us.”