SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Human Resources hopes to start interviews next week in search of a new Director of Public Works. Current Director Dave McComb announced that he will retire at the end of the year.

Human Resources Director Rene Harris has received a few applications from those who would qualify for the position and notes that it has been difficult to find applicants to fit the position.

Harris says, while most county public works departments handle roads and bridges, Reno County’s department encompasses noxious weed control, planning and zoning, and other functions not normally associated with road and bridge construction and maintenance.

McComb has been with the county for 29 years and spent the last 11 as Public Works Director. No timeline was given for when McComb’s replacement might be named, but Harris did say they want the new director to work hand in hand with the current leadership for a period of time before taking over.