Among the stories you’ll find in the Jan. 15 edition of the Montgomery County Chronicle.

• The spring elections are already drawing candidates with noon Tuesday, Jan. 27 being the deadline to file for city council, school board or community college trustee positions. A story on page 1 has a list of candidates who have filed for those offices as of this week.

• A Montgomery County native retired this week from one of the top jobs in state government. Chief Justice Kay McFarland ended her term on the Kansas Supreme Court after serving with the state’s high court since 1977. McFarland was born in Coffeyville in 1935 before moving with her family to Topeka, where she spent most of her youth years and all of her adult career. A story on page 1 talks about McFarland’s career as the state’s top judge.

• New faces abound in the county courthouse following the swearing in of officials on Monday. Among the new officials in county government are Sheriff Bobby Dierks, county commissioners Larry McManus and Fred Brown, and district judge Gary House. Look for a story and photos on page 1.

• Next week is a big week for area high school basketball teams as they compete in mid-season basketball tournaments. A story on page 1 shows when Caney Valley men’s and women’s teams will be playing in the opening round of the Wilson County Classic in Fredonia. And, the same story will carry details about the Cherryvale men’s and women’s teams as they participate in the Coffeyville Inter-State Classic.

• Randy Wagoner, USD 447 superintendent, was granted a contract extension by the USD 447 Board of Education on Monday. You’ll see a story about it on page 4 . . . and when you go to page 5, you’ll notice a story about the USD 447 long-range planning process. If you live in the Cherryvale school district, you’ll want to take note of that story as it involves a patron survey.

• The Jan. 15 edition has more stories of interest to all Montgomery County residents. Be sure to pick up a copy today at the following locations:
Caney: Floyds Town and Country, Gunny Sack Phillips 66, Gunny Sack Shell, Casey’s General Store and the Montgomery County Chronicle.
Cherryvale: Jump Start, Casey’s General Store, Friendly’s Food and Fuel, G&W Foods, Cherryvale Pharmacy, Cherry Hill Express, and the Montgomery County Chronicle
Tyro: J’s Corner Store
Independence: Daylight Doughnuts
Coffeyville: Kabredlo’s Convenience Store

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If you do not presently subscribe to the Montgomery County Chronicle, you’ll find a subscription offer on page 14 of the Jan. 15 issue. Or, you can call (620) 879-2156 or (620) 336-2100 to place your subscription order.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has named Beth (Hall) Martino as her new communications director and press secretary.

Martino is no stranger to the Montgomery County area, having graduated from Caney Valley High School in 1997. During her youth years in Montgomery County, she lived with her family in rural Caney.

“I’m pleased Beth is joining our office in a role that is key to communicating our message and goals with people across the state,” Sebelius said. “Beth’s experience and knowledge will complement the team we have in place, and I’m confident she’ll be a great addition.”

Martino, currently deputy secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor, brings experience with communications, human resources and legislative efforts. Prior to serving as deputy secretary, Martino was the director of marketing and communications for three and a half years at the Labor Department.
In the years prior to her service with the state, Martino was an account coordinator at MB Piland Advertising and Marketing, and also served as a district executive with the Jayhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Martino is a graduate of Washburn University with her bachelor’s degree in political science. She earned a Master of Science in journalism from the University of Kansas in 2005.

Active in community service, Martino is a member of the Topeka South Rotary Club and its board of directors and is a Leadership Greater Topeka alumna. In addition she has volunteered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and is the Shawnee County co-chair for Kansas Honors Program. She and her husband, Stephen, have a 3-year-old daughter, Cate, and a 7-month-old son, Keaton.

Martino replaces Nicole Corcoran, who has been with Sebelius since 1999, when she served as Kansas Insurance Commissioner. Corcoran has accepted a position as chief of staff with the University of Kansas Athletics Department. Martino assumes her new duties January 26, 2009.