Charles Stimatze will be the chair for the Geary County Commission in 2018. He was elected by his fellow commissioners on Monday during the board’s annual reorganization.

Stimatze said he was excited about the new year coming up. He has been a member of the commission for one year and has had an opportunity to prepare for the chairman’s post. “I think I did a pretty good job about it. I had a good person I followed. Ben ( Bennett ) has been doing it for awhile, been a very good teacher.” Longtime commissioner Ben Bennett served as chair during the past year. He will continue to serve as a member of the governing body.

Commissioner Keith Ascher will serve as vice chair, and Bennett will serve as Secretary.

Breaking down some of the committee and board assignments for commissioners. Stimatze will serve on the Public Building Commission, Sundown Salute Committee, and the EDC. Ascher will chair the CVB Advisory Committee and be a member of the North Central Regional Juvenile Detention Center Board. Bennett will continue to serve on the Flint Hills Regional Council, the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Animal Shelter Board. and the Military Affairs Council.