Current Ray County Coroner, Bart Willim is being challenged by newcomer Andrew Buck.

The Richmond News reached out to both candidates to ask them questions.

BACKGROUND Buck: 45, of Richmond, has an associate degree in applied sciences, mortuary science, from Kansas City, Kansas Community College. He is currently the funeral director and embalmer for Hidden Valley Funeral Homes.

Willim: 60, of Richmond, attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a current funeral director, embalmer, and the current Ray County Coroner.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

What are the main duties of the Ray County Coroner?

Buck: The main duty of any coroner is to investigate deaths of a sudden, violent or suspicious nature. Most of these deaths are considered “Unattended Deaths,” meaning deaths not under the direct supervision of a medical professional. This also includes traumatic type deaths as well, including traffic fatalities, homicides and suicides. All of these deaths require investig…