Robert Thorne appointed to Quorum Court

Robert Thorne appointed to Quorum Court

Crittenden County’s newest JP fills Sturch vacancy

news@theeveningtimes.com

Crittenden County Quorum Court will have a new member on the board when it convenes this morning.

Governor Asa Hutchinson announced last week that he has appointed Robert Thorne of Marion to fill the unexpired term of Ronnie Sturch.

Sturch, who held the District 12 seat for the past six years, resigned in July to take the job as director of the county’s 911 Dispatch Center.

Thorne will serve the remainder of Sturch’s term and will remain on the county body as a holdover appointment for the next two years, but will be ineligible to run for the seat.

I’m excited about it,” Thorne said. “I appreciate the Governor’s confidence in me. I hope to be an asset to the county.”

Thorne owns a local landscaping company and also operates a greyhound kennel where he is active in dog racing.

Two other local residents applied for the seat: John Rech, a pastor and reporter for The Evening Times, and Sherry Holliman, a former Marion City Councilwoman.

“We had three really good people express an interest in the position and I think all three would have done a good job,” said County Judge Woody Wheeless. “I think Robert will do an excellent job on the Quorum Court. He has a well established business in the county and really cares about Crittenden County. I think he will work hard to help move our county forward.”

Thorne said he was urged to run for the office by several people and is looking forward to being on the court.

“It’s going to be a learning process,” Thorne said. “I was always impressed by the others who represented the district on the court and I just want to be a part of the team and help in whatever way I can.”

Thorne was sworn in by his brother, District Court Judge Fred Thorne last Tuesday, and has already participated in one committee meeting.

He will officially take his seat on the court this morning at the court’s monthly meeting.

By Mark Randall