Rusher to take over as mayor, temporarily

The Humboldt City Council met in emergency session Friday afternoon, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m. While the council took no official action, a letter was read that was received from Humboldt Mayor Walter Jensen. It was received at Humboldt City Hall earlier on Friday. The letter read as follows: “Effective today (Friday, Feb. 20,) I am temporarily stepping aside from my duties as mayor, and having the mayor pro tem (Darrell Rusher) take over my duties.” Humboldt City Administrator Aaron Burnett said he has been in contact with City Attorney Eric Eide of Fort Dodge who recommended the council receive the letter and that Rusher assume the duties on a temporary basis. Councilman John Sleiter asked if the city attorney believes there are any other steps that need to be taken. “I’ve been in consultation with the city attorney and he has also spoken to Walter, and there is no other action needed at this time,” Burnett said. The Humboldt Independent spoke to Mayor Jensen following the meeting. He did not expound on the letter, only to say that he needs a few weeks away from job as mayor to get caught up on some things. To read more about this developing story, see the Feb. 26 edition of the Humboldt Independent.