‘New’ police chief

RANDOLPH – Randolph’s next police chief isn’t exactly a new one.

Pat Eller has taken up his post once again as the police chief, effective last week with action taken by the Randolph City Council.

The city hired Kannesha Nept to take over for Eller who had retired as Randolph’s police chief on March 31 after seven years of service. He ended up staying on an additional month to allow Nept time to complete reciprocity requirements and become a certified officer in Nebraska.

When April 30 rolled around, Nept remained uncertified and Eller exited for retirement.

Nept continued drawing a full salary with benefits for five months before she was fired at the end of August.She never completed certification or worked as an officer in Randolph during that time.

Eller was hired back as police chief at $70,000 per year,and plans to stay on as chief at least for the next year or so.Retirement in the near future is still in the plans,he said.

So far, the town has received him back with open arms - and a bag or two of candy suckers - his signature treat to hand out to children.

“Everybody’s tickled pink,” he said of the reception he’s received so far.