Keith Jones named county treasurer

Keith R. Jones, son of Sheriff Donald Jones, has been appointed Franklin County treasurer.
Jones, 28, was to begin his new duties on Wednesday, according to Chairman Randall Crocker. Crocker made the appointment with the advice and consent of the Franklin County Board. Jones is replacing John Gulley, who recently resigned to accept a financial position at Rend Lake College.
"He fits the description of the person we were looking for. He is very qualified and will serve us well," Crocker said of the appointment.
Sheriff Jones said he had no input on the appointment. However, he looks forward to working with his son.
"I'm proud of this appointment. He is a good kid and will be a dedicated public servant," the sheriff said.
The younger Jones, who has spent the past five and a half years working for the accounting firm of Gray, Hunter and Stenn, based in Marion, is a 2006 graduate of West Frankfort High School. He graduated in the winter of 2010 from Southeast Missouri State University.
"I will do the best I can and uphold the integrity of the office," Jones told the board, thanking the members for the opportunity. Jones was sworn into office by Judge Eric Dirnbeck.
Highway Engineer Mike Rolla praised the appointment, noting that Jones was a part-time employee in his department several years ago.
"He was a good worker," Rolla said.
Keith Jones and his wife, the former Emily Bowers, reside in West Frankfort.
Other appointments approved include Randall Hargett to the Cave-Eastern Fire Protection District, James Eaton to the Corinth Water District, Terry Moore to the Hill City Water District, Rodney Summers to the Plumfield Water District and Eric McBride to the Sesser Fire Protection District.
Bridge engineering agreements through Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick were approved for South County Line Road and Oak Hill Road at estimated costs of $16,000 and $14,000, respectively; and an engineering agreement was approved for the Horrell and East St. Louis streets project in West Frankfort through Brown and Associates, based in Harrisburg.