Blunt names new Bollinger County commissioner

Gov. Matt Blunt has appointed Kelly D. Francis as Bollinger County associate commissioner. Francis will represent residents of the county's 2nd District, filling the seat of Wayne Whitener, who died at his home Nov. 19.

Francis, 70, is a lifelong resident of Bollinger County and said he was honored by Wednesday's appointment.

"I've always had a deep down urging to serve at the courthouse," Francis said. "It is a considerable honor to finish Mr. Whitener's term."

Both county associate commissioner seats will be up for election in the fall, according to Presiding Commissioner Wayne Johnson. Francis said he intends to file on the Republican ticket. Filing for county elections will begin Feb. 26 and ends March 25.

"I certainly look forward to working with and representing everyone in the county always with fairness and equality," he said.

The decision to pursue the position came after the urging of several people, he said.

"So I decided to throw my hat in the ring," he said.

Francis most recently retired as general manager of the Bollinger County Co-op in Marble Hill in 2001 after 34 years. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Mid South Construction in Sikeston, Mo., from 1963 to 1967 and was the owner and operator of Francis Store in Grassy, Mo., from 1958 to 1963. He also taught first through eighth grades for three years after attending Southeast Missouri State University and majoring in education. He is a 1953 graduate of Lutesville High School.

Francis has volunteered his time on the Sheltered Workshop Board as secretary-treasurer since 1982, and with Bollinger County's Meals on Wheels program for the past five years. He serves on the Grassy, neighborhood watch as president, and was president of the Woodland School Board from 1978 to 1995. He also served as a member of the Republican Central Committee, Filmore Township, for approximately 10 years, he said.

He said he intends to focus on the county's road systems, especially after the recent winter storm damage. He's also interested in pursuing more information on enhanced 911 for the county, he said.

"The people ought to have the chance to vote on it [911] and decide for themselves," he said.

Right now, Francis said he's looking forward to getting started and working with Johnson and Commissioner Larry VanGennip.

Johnson said he has confidence in Francis' abilities.

"Kelly will do a good job; he'll be a fair person when somebody calls him and I'm looking forward to working with him," Johnson said.