Calhoon, Vanderweide face voters in Atchison County commission primary
Calhoon and Vanderweide answered voter questions on KAIR days before the August 4 primary, as an EMS sales tax and an eligibility challenge shaped the race.
John Calhoon and Randell Vanderweide took voter questions on KAIR 93.7 FM’s Co-Host Monday on July 6, giving Atchison County Republicans an early look at the District 2 commission primary before ballots are cast August 4. The radio appearance put the two candidates side by side in a forum built around questions submitted in advance, a format that put county concerns front and center.
The race carries added weight because Calhoon is already serving on the commission after being appointed by Atchison County GOP delegates at a January 29 convention to fill the vacant District 2 seat. Former Commissioner Eric Noll resigned in January after nearly 11 years in office, and Calhoon was sworn in February 17 after formal approval by Governor Laura Kelly and review by Secretary of State Scott Schwab. Vanderweide is challenging Calhoon inside the Republican primary, leaving voters to decide whether to keep the appointed commissioner in the seat or turn to a new voice.
The contest is also shadowed by a legal fight over Calhoon’s eligibility. Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker filed a quo warranto petition on March 10 seeking to remove him from one of his two public roles, arguing Kansas law bars him from serving at the same time as county commissioner and Jackson County undersheriff. The court deadline for Calhoon’s response was extended to April 14 after his attorney entered the case.
The July 6 forum came just as county government placed another tax decision in front of voters. On July 1, Atchison County commissioners announced a dedicated 1% sales tax for Emergency Medical Services would appear on the August 4 ballot. If approved, the tax would begin in January 2027 and would shift EMS and rescue funding away from the county’s general fund, with county officials saying that could reduce reliance on property taxes. Officials have said state statute allows the county to put a sales tax question on the ballot specifically for EMS purposes.
The commission race lands alongside other changes already taking shape in county operations. Atchison County began sending emergency notifications through Everbridge on July 1, adding another piece to the county’s public-safety setup as voters weigh who should help steer District 2 through taxes, emergency services and the day-to-day work of county government.
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