For nearly two decades, Cassopolis’ Kevin Hershberger served his community as an employee of the Cass County Road Commission, running its blacktop plant while doing nearly everything else in between, from maintenance to snow plowing.

In January, the local farmer will be taking his experience in the commission’s trenches to its boardroom.

Last week, the Cass County Board of Commissioners selected Hershberger to become one of the five county road commissioners, taking over for the retiring Cliff Poehlman next year. The Cassopolis resident was selected over four other applicants who interviewed for the seat before the commissioners earlier this month, by a vote of 4 to 3.

In addition to his work with the commission, he is also a member of the Cass County Fair Board, where he serves as vice-president, and of Soil Conservation District, where he serves as president. Since his retirement from the commission in 2012, he has worked as farmer, raising a beef herd on his 600 acres of land on Kelsey Lake.

Several commissioners spoke highly of Hershberger before making their selection, due to his qualifications and his connection with the people in the community.

“I feel like one of these days we’re going to have to go out there and ask for a millage again,” said Commissioner Dixie Ann File. “[Hershberger] has the ear of the farmers in Cass County, and he’ll be able to help get that passed.”

The farmer decided to throw his hat back into the realm of county roads in order to continue serving his neighbors throughout the county, he said.

“Like I told the commissioners in my interview, I like my community, I was born and raised here,” Hershberger said. “I want to do what’s best for them.”

Among his priorities upon assuming the position is to help push for newer equipment for road crews, in particular their fleet of vehicles, he said. He also said he wants to help improve the reputation of the commission, which has suffered slightly in the last few years, he added.

“I know a lot of people, being a farmer,” he said. “I want to be someone who works in between the public and the commission, to speak to both sides.”