Potato commission names new chairman

MOSES LAKE — Ted Tschirky, of Connell, is now the chairman of the Washington State Potato Commission’s Board of Commissioners.

Tschirky’s new role follows the arrest of former chairman Robert Lee Halvorson Jr., of Toppenish, who is no longer chairman.

Halvorson, 46, was taken into custody at the Yakima County Jail on July 5 and released on July 6, according to Sandra Bess, the jail’s office supervisor, on Monday.

According to a case summary from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, the case stems from a report of an alleged assault between two cousins near Toppenish.

The person reporting the assault said one cousin was injured, according to the sheriff’s office.

Further details about the incident or Halvorson’s alleged role were unavailable Monday.

Halvorson was originally booked for second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault, she said.

The fourth-degree assault charge was dismissed and he was released on his own recognizance for the other charge, she said.

Court records show he pleaded not guilty to the charge July 6.

On Monday, Tschirky said Halvorson is remaining on the commission, but not as chairman.

Tschirky, representing District 2, is currently serving his second term on the board, he said.

Other new leadership roles on the commission include new committee chairs Darrin Morrison, of Mt. Vernon, research committee, Frank Martinez, of Royal City, trade and market access committee, Angela Pixton, of Warden, public and industry education committee and Jared Balcom, of Pasco, environmental and regulatory committee, according to the commission’s July newsletter.

Also, Commissioner Frank Martinez was reappointed to Position 4 and Nick Johnson, of Othello, was appointed to Position 3.