LARNED — Republicans in Pawnee County took a little over an hour to fill a vacated seat on the three-member Board of County Commissioners through a state mandated procedure governing replacement of county officials Thursday evening.
At the evening’s conclusion, Brock Miller was elected by a vote of 15-6 to fill the District 2 seat vacated by the resignation of Commissioner Phillip Hammeke. Miller, a Pawnee County businessman, was one of two candidates considered by the delegation on Thursday. Kathy Van Horn, a resident of Garfield, was the other candidate nominated.
On Monday, Sept. 8, Pawnee County District 2 Commissioner Hammeke announced his intent to resign at a meeting of the County Commissioners, noting that his last day would be Sept. 12. His reason for resignation is that he has moved to a residence in Rush County, outside of Pawnee County.
Hammeke had served as District 2 Commissioner since 2017. He was last elected in 2024, leaving an unexpired term until January 2029.
According to state statute, Paula Carr, current Republican Party chairperson, had 21 days of receipt of notice that a vacancy had occurred to call and convene a convention of all committeemen and committeewomen within the precincts of the district involved.
District 2 in Pawnee County is composed of the following townships: Ash Valley, Brown’s Grove, Conkling, Garfield, Grant, Keysville, Lincoln, Logan, Morton, Orange, Pawnee, Pleasant Ridge, River, Santa Fe, Sawmill, Shiley, Valley Center and Walnut.
Last Thursday, members of the committee electorate gathered with other members of the party as well as public observers for the convention at the Pawnee County Courthouse Lounge.
A total of 20 members and one proxy comprised the convention delegation. The vote was taken by secret ballot.
About Brock Miller
A 2000 graduate of Pawnee Heights High School in Rozel, Miller is a fourth-generation Pawnee County farmer. He and his wife Bryttni have two children: Dayton, 8 and Annabelle, 5.
The Millers, whose latest venture includes the Stop-N-Go convenience store in Burdett, employ more than 20 local residents in ventures that include cattle operations, trucking, and downtown revitalization projects within the county.
His community service roles include: Golden Valley Coop board; Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation; deacon at Valley Community Church and past president of Pawnee County Economic Development and Larned Area Chamber of Commerce.
In his address to the delegation, Miller noted that he loved Pawnee County and wants to see it thrive. “My experience in business and community service has prepared me to help our county move forward with strength and diligence.”
Miller listed as his priorities creating jobs and growing revenue; fiscal responsibility with county funds; a sustainable future for Pawnee County youth and to maintain and improve county infrastructure.
Following the convention, notice of the candidate elected was forwarded to the governor for appointment, with a copy forwarded to the secretary of state.
