(KAIR)--A new Atchison County Attorney is selected, chosen through a vote during a convention of the Atchison County Republican Central Committee Thursday evening at the Atchison County Courthouse.

Following nominations, which led to the selection of three nominees who explained why they should be selected, votes were cast.

Central Committee Chairman Derek Franklin, serving as Convention Chair, announced the selection. “Sherri Becker is our new County Attorney, Franklin told the Committeemen and Committeewomen in attendance at the Atchison County Courthouse.

Sherri Becker defeated local attorneys Allen Ternent and Andrew Werring in gaining the position. “I'm very excited,” Becker told MSC News moments after her selection was announced. “I've always loved being a prosecutor, and I can't wait to put my skills to use in our community. I'm from here, grew up here, so I'm excited to be able to represent our community, and I hope that I'll make everyone proud.”

Becker told MSC News that despite the numerous goals that come with the office, community safety is her key aspiration. “There's so many goals as a prosecutor, but really it's to keep the community safe. It's to be the voice for victims, whether they're strong enough to do it on their own, or they're not, so listen to them. But really, it's to hold people accountable for the things that they do, and to try to keep our community safe.”

Becker will begin serving in the role once she is formally appointed to the position by Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer.

The unexpired term, which comes up for election in 2019, was vacated by Jerry Kuckelman, who resigned last week following his selection to serve as 1st District Court Judge.