Republicans hold convention to select county clerk: From left, Paul Dipasquale, Osage County Republican Central Committee vice chair, Don Alexander, 2nd Congressional District chair and convention chair, Brady Wagner, notary, Dana Webber, Osage County Republican Central Committee chair, Jay Hatfield, Osage County Clerk (appointee), Mike Lollar, Osage County Republican Central Committee secretary-treasurer.
The Osage County Republican Central Committee held a convention at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Osage County Senior Center, to elect a new county clerk, due to the resignation of Michelle Morris on May 12.
The committee voted by acclamation for applicant James R. “Jay” Hatfield for the position. Jay’s background as an election manager in the Shawnee County elections office will bring much needed expertise to the position.
Following the conclusion of the convention, chair Willie Prescott called a regular committee meeting, and he and vice chair Pat Rusher Prescott resigned their positions with the Central Committee. An election of those positions ensued, with Dana Webber, Scranton, being elected as chair, and Paul Dipasquale, Carbondale, being elected Vice Chair. Also due to a previous resignation of the Secretary position, Mike Lollar, Carbondale, Treasurer, assumed the Secretary/Treasurer position. The Central Committee will now join the Osage County Republican Women in bringing the Gubernatorial Candidates to Osage City on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Osage County Senior Center for a Meet and Greet/Forum starting at 12:30 p m. All Republicans are invited to attend.
Information and photo submitted by Dana Webber.
