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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- The following is a news release from the office of Missouri governor Jay Nixon;

Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed Darrell McCoy, of Hannibal, as Marion County coroner, and Wendy Howe, of Palmyra, as Marion County public administrator. The coroner position became vacant upon the resignation of Coroner Peggy Porter; the public administrator position became vacant upon the resignation of Public Administrator Gayle Viorel.

McCoy, a Democrat, has served as the deputy county coroner since January 2009. He is an engineer and certified EMT with the Hannibal Fire Department and an EMT for the Marion County Fire Protection District. McCoy is secretary for the Marion County 911 Board of Directors.

Howe, a Democrat, is a community support specialist at Mark Twain Behavioral Health and an adult literacy teacher with the Hannibal School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in justice systems administration from Truman State University, with a focus in public administration.

“I am pleased to make these two appointments because of the experience that Darrell McCoy and Wendy Howe will bring to these positions,” Gov. Nixon said. “That experience will enable them to be excellent public servants in these two offices.”