BY KEITH LIPPOLDT

klippoldt@gbtribune.com

It was announced last week that Golden Belt Humane Society had hired a new, full-time director and animal control officer.

After completing the application and interview process, Max Hames took the reins of GBHS Monday morning, Jan. 27. Following an emergency board meeting Wednesday evening, the Humane Society will be looking to start the hiring process once again.

The Great Bend Tribune had published an article Saturday naming Hames as the new director. On Sunday, after reading the article, an email from Golden Belt was sent to the Tribune stating, “I am writing this email regarding your article in the Great Bend Tribune naming the new Director for Golden Belt Humane Society. Mr. Hames is no longer employed by Golden Belt Humane Society. His employment ended after two and a half days.” 

“Following the emergency meeting Wednesday evening, we are in search of a new director,” Golden Belt Humane Society board member Jean Clair said. “Mr. Hames did not work out. He chose to resign from his position during the meeting. We appreciate his service. It just wasn’t going to work out.”

Clair, as well as serving on the board, is also a volunteer that puts in time during the day. She said the board will open up the search for a new director and hopes to have a new person on board in the near future.

Long-time Golden Belt Director Heather Acheson, who had stepped down earlier, had been retained as interim director to help with the training. She will remain in this position until the new director has been hired and has been trained.