Blumenberg leaves office

Jim Blumenberg enjoys a break with the shop crew at his business, Jim Blumenberg Standard Station in East Prairie. Blumenberg retired from the Mississippi County Commission in December after 22 years in office. (Scott Welton, Staff)

CHARLESTON -- Every political career has its ups and downs. Jim Blumenberg certainly saw his share while serving 22 years on the Mississippi County Commission.

A resident of East Prairie, Blumenberg started as the associate county commissioner representing the southern half of the county in January 1989. His last official day in office was Dec. 31.

"My intentions were to stay till 2012," Blumenberg said, as that is when the debt for the construction of the Mississippi County Detention Center will be paid off.

As that year drew nearer, however, Blumenberg realized that him leaving in the middle of a term could possibly mean three new county commissioners all taking office at the same time. He decided the end of 2010 would be close enough.

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