The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Tuesday) accepted the resignation of County Attorney Michael Hooper, effective January 31^st. (Read his official letter of resignation here: Letter of resignation).   Last Friday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she had appointed Michael Hooper as a District Judge for the Fourth Judicial District, which covers Cass and eight other Counties in southwest Iowa. Hooper said while he will still be in his office, he is not allowed to preside over any local court proceedings. That’s because he took the oath and was sworn-in on Monday. Hooper has employed the services of Audubon County Attorney Sarah Jennings to cover any court hearings that arise between now and the 31^st. He said there shouldn’t be too many cases for her to preside over.

Michael Hooper was appointed as Cass County Attorney last year. He was appointed to succeed David Wiederstein last January, and was unopposed during the Primary and General Elections. He just began his elected term this month.

The Supervisors then acted to move forward with the process of appointing a County Attorney. The Schedule is as follows:

• Open applications effective today (Jan. 15^th) – they may be submitted by mail or e-mail.
• Applications close Jan. 25^th at 4:30-p.m.
• The Board will review the applications on Jan. 28^th and conduct interviews in an open meeting beginning at 9-a.m., on Jan. 29^th. If necessary, the interview process could continue Jan. 30^th.
• All applications are public record.
• The County Attorney would be appointed Feb. 1^st.

County Auditor Dale Sunderman explained how interested attorneys who have passed the Iowa Bar, may apply. The applicant must be licensed to practice law in Iowa, and must be a Cass County resident at the time of the appointment. Iowa Code says a special election may be requested within 14 days of official notice of the intent to appoint being published, or within 14 days of the appointment. The petition must have no less than 582 signatures.

In other business, the Board approved the appointment of Gary Ohms, of Anita, as Lincoln Township Trustee, in keeping with a gender balance. They also approved a permit for the Dollar General Store in rural Griswold, to sell cigarettes, tobacco, alternative nicotine or vapor products.