PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — Colton Marti was appointed to the interim position of coroner by Pike County Commissioners on Thursday, Aug. 12. Marti was officially sworn into office at about 4:15 p.m. on Thursday at the Pike County Courthouse.

Commissioners met with nine candidates for the position that was left empty following the death of Chris Stark on Monday, Aug. 10. Stark won reelection to the position last November.

Western District Commissioner Bill Allen noted that 10 people had expressed interest in serving as coroner, many of whom have run for the office in the past. One individual decided against it before a series of interviews were conducted by commissioners.

“We took this very seriously. It is an important office,” Allen remarked. “We feel very good about the decision we made.”

Marti is employed by the Bowling Green Police Department and will continue in that capacity. He also serves as chief of the Curryville Fire Protection District and resides just outside of town.

Commissioners had to make an appointment within 14 days of Stark’s death. Sheriff Stephen Korte serves in the role during the absence of the official coroner. An official appointment will be made by Governor Mike Parson within 60 days. Allen noted they anticipate this will be done by early to mid-September.

All of the candidates for the position were asked the same battery of questions which were scored by the three commissioners and the assistant prosecuting attorney. Marti obtained the highest score.

The governor may opt to appoint a different individual, but it is anticipated Marti will secure the position. That appointment will expire at the end of next year. Since the coroner’s position is a four-year term, the two-year unexpired term will appear on the November election ballot in 2022.