JOHN FERRELL: NEW BOSS, SAME JOB

Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri John Ferrell said the appointment of a new boss will have little effect on his work.

Audrey Fleissig, who was the U.S. Attorney for all of Eastern Missouri, resigned Wednesday and will be replaced by Ray Gruender, a President George W. Bush appointee.

Fleissig was appointed last year by President Bill Clinton.

"Ray is an experienced U.S. assistant attorney who is familiar with the office and what it takes to make it work," Ferrell said. "We're excited to have him."

Ferrell, a Southeast Missouri native who was named to his position in 1991, spoke to about 10 members of the Pachyderm Club Thursday at the Holiday Inn. He said he didn't know what to expect from his new superior.

"We don't know what his approach will be," Ferrell said. "But we don't anticipate a great difference."

Gruender will begin in an interim role on May 1. The Senate must approve Gruender's hiring.