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Kohorst sworn-in as Mayor of Harlan

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September 22nd, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Kate Kohorst is the new mayor of Harlan. Officials swore Kohorst into the post on Tuesday. She replaces Gene Gettys, who left office to become the new city administrator. A Harlan native, Kate grew up on a farm outside of Harlan and graduated from Harlan Community High School. Kohorst says she’s ready to work with Gettys and the City Council as well as the citizens of Harlan to continue moving the town forward.

Harlan Mayor Kate Kohorst

Harlan Mayor Kate Kohorst

Kohorst has served multiple terms on the Harlan Utility Board, while also completing the City Council term of Orv Rocker, who became ill and later died in 2013. She didn’t run for election with the term expired, but said that experience played a part in her decision to seek the mayor’s position.

According to city officials, Kohorst was chosen after an application process. The position was posted in the Harlan newspaper, with citizens asked to submit something about their interest in writing. Harlan residents have 14 days from Tuesday’s appointment to petition for a special election for mayor.

(From our sister station KNOD in Harlan)