Crook county MOU will cover coroner shortage

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
 The Crook County coroner’s office has agreed to temporarily provide services in Weston County while the coroner shortage issue here is being resolved. Both Weston County Coroner Cindy Crabtree and Deputy Coroner Marina Mcilvain have been sidelined with medical issues. 
The Weston County commissioners plan to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Crook County coroner’s office to provide the services.
As previously reported, the commissioners stated that they would rather appoint additional deputy coroners instead of working with Crook County. However, it was reported on Sept. 21 that additional deputies could not be properly trained until next year, making the MOU necessary to ensure that services can continue. 
“In short, I want to know what you guys want in the MOU, … specifically, what you guys want to expend as part of the MOU,” Weston County Attorney Michael Stulken said. “There has been some confusion as to who is going to spend what.” 
Crabtree, who was on speakerphone during the meeting Sept. 21 meeting, said that there are two different areas in her budget that will cover the incurred costs. 
“They will be covering until our people are in line in June,” Crabtree said. “That is when I can get someone into training.” 
Crabtree said that she has supplies that the Crook County coroners can use and also offered the use of the county vehicle. The Crook County coroner has stated that it would be easier to use its own vehicle. 
According to Crabtree, Crook County Coroner Michael Frolander will be the contact person  and will help prepare the potential deputy
coroners. 
“He (Frolander) has been in it forever and has provided great coverage for Weston County when we needed him,” Crabtree said, noting that she will be back to providing services once she is released to drive. “At this time, they will come and pick up (deceased individuals) for us and take them where they need to be.” 
According to Crabtree, Weston County has used MOUs with Crook County for years. 
“It really is a godsend; they help out a lot,” Crabtree said.