(KAIR)--The results of the Atchison County GOP convention held January 29 to fill two county vacancies are now awaiting state approval.

During that convention, delegates appointed John Calhoon to the vacant 2nd District Atchison County Commission seat and Paige Schmidt as Atchison County Treasurer.

Atchison County GOP Chair Derek Franklin tells MSC Radio News the appointments have been sent to the Kansas Governor’s Office and the Secretary of State for review. The Atchison County Clerk mailed the official results through registered mail on Tuesday, January 3. The state has seven business days to respond once the notice is received.

Questions have been raised about Calhoon’s eligibility for the commission seat, since he also serves as Undersheriff for Jackson County. Franklin said those concerns are part of the review process, adding he’s thankful for the checks and balances that help ensure the integrity of elections and appointments.

If the appointments are approved, both Schmidt and Calhoon — along with County Clerk Susan Carrigan, who was appointed last year — will have to seek election in November, as all three were appointed before reaching the midpoint of their respective terms.

Calhoon replaces former Commissioner Eric Noll, who resigned in January after nearly 11 years in office. Schmidt has been serving as interim County Treasurer following the resignation of Connie Ellerman prior to the start of 2026.