Smith appointed county attorney

Joe Smith will serve as Antelope County Attorney until the term, vacated following the death of Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler last month, ends in 2026.

County commissioners appointed the acting deputy attorney Tuesday, during a meeting in Neligh.

Chairman Charlie Henery said Smith had agreed to step in and take the job.

“I’m very pleased,” Henery said.

A contract for the position will be in place, due to the appointment.

Smith told commissioners that state statue lets a board fill a vacancy.

“No special election is required,” he said.

According to Antelope County Clerk Lisa Payne, another...