Ronan police chief ousted

RONAN — For the second time in less than three months, Ronan has a new chief of police. At the city council meeting on Jan. 21, officer John Mitchell was selected to replace Valent Maxwell, who was removed from his post at the Jan. 7 Ronan City Council meeting.

While the council and the department had hoped they would get a clean slate when they hired Maxwell, a slew of new problems arose with him at the helm.

According to meeting minutes from Jan. 7, a discussion was held regarding an accusation from officer William Dupuis that Maxwell stated, “[T]his is the last time I help the Tribe.” A second complaint came from deputy Becky McClintock and Lake County sheriff Jay Doyle about Maxwell neglecting to assist deputy McClintock when asked.

Maxwell explained to the council that he could not remember the incident with McClintock. He said perhaps it was because of his blood sugar or the medication he is taking. Maxwell also denied making the statement to Dupuis.

After more than an hour of executive session, the council reconvened and with a 3-2 vote decided to remove Maxwell from his position.

At the following council meeting, senior officer John Mitchell was appointed as chief.

Council member Chris Adler led the conversation at the meeting. Adler said he didn’t want to be the bad guy but that Maxwell’s job performance had not been what they had hoped and expected it would be.

Mayor Kim Aipperspach agreed.

“He was terminated,” he said. “It wasn’t a good fit.”