PIEDMONT MAN NAMED TO POST

A Piedmont man has been appointed as presiding commissioner of Wayne County.

The selection of Marvin E. Bowles, 70, was announced Tuesday by Gov. Mel Carnahan. Bowles succeeds Paul A. VanNoy, who died in October.

"Marvin is very dedicated to serving the citizens of Wayne County. He is an active member of the community and he is more than qualified to hold this important position," Carnahan said.

It is a return to the job for Bowles, who served as presiding commissioner in the past. A retired funeral home operator, Bowles also held the position of Wayne County coroner for 36 years.