Atchison Co Commissioner John Calhoon/Credit: Atchison County
(KAIR)--A deposition is planned Monday in the ongoing court challenge to the dual roles held by Atchison County Commissioner John Calhoon.
Calhoon's eligibility to hold the 2nd District Commission seat while also serving as Jackson County Undersheriff is challenged by the State of Kansas through Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker.
Calhoon's Attorney, Michael Kuckelman on April 17, subpoenaed Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie to testify during the deposition, with Laurie ordered to provide such documents as all communications of any nature between Laurie and any person that in any way relates to John Calhoon between December 1, 2025 to the present. The same is requested for all communications related to Calhoon between Laurie and Becker, during that same timeline, as well as other records and documents that support what the court filing calls Laurie's "concern that there would be a conflict of interest or inconsistency" by Calhoon serving in his two positions.
Laurie and Calhoon are not strangers, as Laurie, in 2012, defeated Calhoon's bid for re-election to a fifth term as Atchison County Sheriff, a role he had held since 1994. Calhoon again sought the Sheriff's office unsuccessfully in 2020.
Calhoon was appointed to the vacant Commission seat as the outcome of a January Atchison County GOP convention, and was sworn into the role in February following a review of his appointment by the Kansas Governor and Secretary of State.
Becker, on March 10, filed the petition in quo warranto, a legal action used to challenge someone’s right to hold a public office, in Atchison County District Court. The filing seeks a judge's ruling to declare Calhoon unable to hold both positions at the same time, with Kansas law cited in the filing.
Calhoon, in a response filed April 14, disputes the claim that the two roles are legally incompatible and calls for the case to be dismissed.
The matter was discussed during Tuesday's meeting of the Atchison County Commission following a request for a review by Commissioner James Campbell. County Counselor David Van Parys provided that outline, explaining to the Commission that they have not played any role in the case.
Van Parys concluded his review by telling the Commissioners that, until the legal matter is resolved, Calhoon remains the duly appointed Commissioner, and encouraged the Commission to "focus on the business of the County and allow the District Court proceedings to play out as is proper."
