GARNETT — A detective with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department is challenging his boss for the top job in the department. Vernon Valentine recently filed as a Republican for sheriff. He’s challenging Sheriff Jeff Hupp, who has filed to run as a Democrat. That sets up at least one contested Anderson County race on the November ballot, although it’s possible more candidates will file for other county offices before the June 1 deadline. Valentine has worked for the sheriff’s department for 14 years. He also serves with the Kansas National Guard at Iola. The Anderson County Review reported he was one of three deputies who won a $30,000 federal court settlement after suing Anderson County commissioners 10 years ago under the Fair Labor and Standards Act. Night-time deputies worked 12-hour shifts but were allowed to go home for four hours of the shift, awaiting dispatchers’ orders. The county said that while they were at home, they wouldn’t be paid. The deputies successfully argued said because they were still considered to be on duty, they should be paid.
Monday, April 9, 10 a.m.
