Meigs County welcomes new coroner

POMEROY – Meigs County has a new county coroner.

Since no one filed to run for coroner including incumbent Dr. Douglas Hunter, who did not seek reelection, there has been a need to fill the position. Dr. Daniel H. Whiteley was announced as the new Meigs County Coroner during the Meigs County Commissioner’s meeting Thursday, December 29, 2016.

County Commissioners Tim Ihle and Randy Smith welcomed Dr. Whiteley as the new county coroner. According to Commissioner Smith, the conversation began at the end of November officially to bring Dr. Whiteley on board as coroner. Dr. Whiteley has served as the Gallia County Coroner, and now will also be serving Meigs County.

According to the Ohio Revised Code (section 313.04), “When the coroner is absent temporarily from the county, or when on duty with the armed services of the United States, the state militia, or the American Red Cross, or when unable to discharge the duties of the office of coroner, such coroner may appoint a person with the necessary qualifications to act as coroner during such absence, service or disability. When there is a vacancy in the coroner’s office as a result of death or resignation and the vacancy cannot be filled by election or appointment as provided 305.02 of the Revised Code, or if no one runs for the office of coroner and, for that reason, the office is vacant, the board of county commissioners may contract with another county’s coroner to exercise the power and perform the acts, duties, or functions of the coroner. In addition to the applicable amounts of compensation specified in sections 325.15 and 325.18 of the Revised Code, the coroner with whom the board contracts may receive a supplemental payment for services rendered. The duration of the contract shall not extend beyond the last day of the term for which there was a vacancy.”

Since Dr. Hunter did not seek reelection and the vacancy needed to be filled, the commissioners turned to Dr. Whiteley.

The county contracts with Montgomery County for autopsies, which it was discussed during the commissioner’s meeting will be going up $50 per autopsy in 2017. Autopsies are called for when there may be questionable circumstances of an individual’s death. There are various protocols county coroners follow in determining the need for an autopsy.

For years, Dr. Hunter has faithfully served as coroner, responding when called upon at all hours when a death occurs in the county.

“We are prayerful that Dr. Hunter will enjoy a much deserved retirement and we are excited by the opportunity to work with Dr. Whiteley,” Commissioner Smith said.

Commissioner Ihle also shared similar sentiments during the meeting when the two officially welcomed Dr. Whiteley. County Commissioner Mike Bartrum was out of town at the time of the meeting and it was noted in the record as an excused absence.