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Commission appoints Laura Lanzick as interim Benson County sheriff
Summary
The Benson County commission voted unanimously to appoint Laura Lanzick to the sheriff's post until the next election, directing staff to notify other candidates and begin residency and onboarding steps. Commissioners debated experience, electability and a 30-day residency requirement before the appointee can assume full duties.
The Benson County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Laura Lanzick to fill the county's vacant sheriff position until the next election. The board moved and seconded the appointment and carried it in a roll-call vote with all members voting in favor: Davidson, Horner, Griffin, Stoddam and Cook.
Commissioners compared Lanzick and another finalist, Sean Cunningham, describing Lanzick as having strong community ties and the experience to "rebuild" office relationships while noting Cunningham's broader federal experience that could make him a strong deputy. "I think she would be a better choice for helping to rebuild in the community," one commissioner said during the panel discussion. The board asked staff to notify the other candidates, send Lanzick an appointment letter and complete background and residency verification; the appointee must establish Benson County residency within the county's required timeline before assuming the full sheriff title.
The motion to appoint was made on the record and followed by a roll-call: Davidson (aye), Horner (aye), Griffin (aye), Stoddam (aye) and Cook (aye). County staff said they will provide the appointee orientation materials and review background checks and additional onboarding steps in the coming weeks. The board also discussed that the appointee would serve until the next election cycle, and commissioners said the new sheriff will be expected to begin rebuilding community trust and addressing outstanding departmental issues.
