BREAKING NEWS: Sheriff announces resignation

An emotional Ron Gray stood before Bourbon County Commissioners Friday to announce he will be stepping down as Bourbon County Sheriff effective Aug. 9.

Gray, who is six months into his second term as sheriff, told commissioners he has accepted a position elsewhere, but chose not to make that information public.

"It's kind of hard for me to do this, but I've been offered some other opportunities and I have accepted them," Gray told commissioners. "I'm conflicted and heartbroken. I've put my interests ahead of my family for close to 25 years and it's time that I return to them."

According to Commissioner Harold Coleman, Gray's wife works in the Kansas City area, which allows Gray to visit only on weekends.

"It's killing me, because this was my dream," Gray said. "This is damn tough...But being away from your family takes a toll on you and it's been about three years now seeing them on a limited basis."

"We understand," Commission Chairman Allen Warren said. "We don't like hearing it, but we understand."

Gray further explained his decision to the commissioners.

"My heart is with this county and this town," Gray said. "My intention was to retire here, but plans change and my family needs me. Somebody told me a long time ago you have to pick what's more important in life. Fifteen years later, and I've finally taken those words to heart. It's crushing me. This (law enforcement) is in my blood."

Commissioner Barbara Albright also expressed her gratitude toward Gray for his service.

"Whoever gets you is going to be fortunate," Albright said.

According to Commissioner Harold Coleman, Gray was the first Republican sheriff in the county in 73 years. Gray was hired by Coleman more than 23 years ago and served under him during part of Coleman's 30-plus years as sheriff. Coleman said he has the utmost respect for Gray, not only as a law enforcement officer, but also as a close friend.

Gray told commissioners he is confident he is leaving his department in good shape.

"I have good staff downstairs as you all know," Gray said. "I have an excellent jail staff. I've got a good second (Undersheriff Bill Martin). Who knows, I might come knocking on the door someday and ask to come back."

For now, however, Bourbon County Republicans will be looking for an interim sheriff to fill Gray's spot until the November 2014 General Election. After Gov. Sam Brownback receives notification of Gray's resignation, the party has 21 days to convene to appoint a replacement, according to Bourbon County Republican Party Chairman Chris Maycumber.

"I'm sure we will be looking from within," Maycumber said. "But we might be looking from the outside as well."

Maycumber said he is not sure whether the appointee is required to be a current Bourbon County resident.

He said they will soon be sending out notices to Bourbon County Republicans to convene. Maycumber also said the person they choose does not necessarily have to be a member of the party.

"There's nothing that says they have to be a Republican," Maycumber said. "Specifically on things like sheriff, we won't look at the party. I will not nominate somebody just because they are a Republican. We will be looking at who is best qualified."

According to Maycumber, Gray's years of service will not be forgotten.

"I know he served the county well," Maycumber said. "I wish him well in whatever he does. I know he did a good job and I wish him the best of luck."

During his visit with commissioners, Gray also explained to commissioners why he has been a silent player in the campaign to build a new jail. He said he was trying to find other ways to combat the problem of over population in the jail and he has always taken the stance that if there is a way to do things without increasing taxes, he's all for it.

"Until then, I'm not going to stand up here and force things on people, because these people out here can't afford it," Gray said. "That's probably why I haven't been as vocal as I probably should have been on certain issues. I'm a realist and I realize the money's not there. There's got to be other ways to deal with it."

In other business:

* County Custodial Supervisor David Neville said he received no bids for roofing repairs on the Bourbon County Courthouse and the jail. He said he will be speaking to insurance adjusters on how to proceed next.

* Kenny Blake, whose family owns land leased by the county for the former Blake Quarry inquired about the timeline for seeding grass as part of the reclamation of the land. Commissioners said they hope to have that completed by the end of September.

* Gray presented his 2014 budget to commissioners. The budget is $400 more than last year, but includes payments for eight new patrol cars in the nearly $533,000 budget.

* County Clerk Kendell Mason also presented her proposed budget of $84,600, which is $2,400 less than last year.

* Commissioners accepted a low bid of $5,115.68 from Red River for the purchase of chemicals for the noxious weed department. Commissioners also received bids from Van Deest ($5,116.24) and CPS ($5,234.)

*Commissioners met for 10 minutes in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.