Paul Kuhns Named New County Sheriff

(OUTGOING SHERIFF DAVID MAHON AND INCOMING SHERIFF PAUL KUHNS)

Paul Kuhns has been selected as the next Effingham County sheriff.

Kuhns was approved 7-0 to succeed David Mahon by the Effingham County Board at a special meeting Thursday afternoon. Board members Elizabeth Huston and Joe Thoele were not present for the meeting.

The vote came after Board member Rob Arnold, who serves as County Republican Party Chairman, made the recommendation that Kuhns be appointed.

Mahon, who attended the meeting, said that his retirement is effective at 2pm on Tuesday, June 1. After the meeting, the retiring sheriff said he was leaving primarily to spend more time with his wife, Sherry, who just retired from her role as an Illinois State Police telecommunicator, and his children and grandchildren.

Kuhns' term will end as of the first Monday of December in 2022. He has the option of seeking a full term in 2022.

Kuhns said of the sheriff's department, "I love this place. I get a lot of my identity from this place." He told the Board, "Thank you for the trust you've placed in me."

Following Arnold's recommendation that Kuhns be selected, it was noted that letters were received from every county elected official supporting Kuhns. 

Arnold said Kuhns and one other individual applied for the sheriff's post, and said both were qualified. The other individual was not identified at Thursday's meeting.

Our Greg Sapp had an opportunity to talk with Paul Kuhns after the Board meeting..