Kingfisher County commissioners held their annual “changing of the guard” Monday, electing District 2 Commissioner Michael Sparks to serve as chairman for the 2026 calendar year.

He succeeds District 3 Commissioner Anthony Schwarz.

The chairman of the board of county commissioners traditionally represent the board at various offi cial functions and serves in other rolls in addition to the duties as the governing body of the courthouse, having control of the county highway system and serving as a member of the county board of tax roll collections.

It was announced at the meeting that the courthouse would be closed Thursday for New Year’s Day.

Approval of the minutes of the preceding week’s meeting and routine business actions comprised the balance of the meeting.

All commissioners – Schwarz, Jeff Moss, vice-chairman, District 1, and Sparks –were present for the meeting including County Clerk Emily Lee, offi cial minute clerk; Katrina Hertensen, sheriff’s department secretary, and Monty Taylor of Kingfisher.