Recall effort targets Eureka County District Attorney

EUREKA - Eureka County District Attorney Ted Beutel is facing a recall move, launched by some local residents who say they've lost their trust and confidence in him.

Beutel, first elected in 1998, counters that two brothers leading the recall effort have had a few minor legal hassles with the county over the years and don't like his opposition to a flood control project that would help their property.

Beutel also said Friday that several of the recall advocates are friends of Joan Shangle, the former, longtime county clerk-treasurer who he prosecuted on theft charges.

Diamond Valley rancher Jerry Anderson, who with his brother Ed and Calvin Beveridge signed the notice of intent to circulate the recall petition, said Beutel isn't "doing his job for the people. He's doing it just for himself."

Connie Hicks, another recall proponent, said Beutel has been "arrogant and domineering" in his dealings with citizens, and has tried to control county commissioners.

"He's there to serve as legal counsel but he has gone beyond his limits and is trying to run the place," Hicks said.

Hicks also said the recall petitioners hope to collect at least 200 signatures. The minimum requirement is for about 140 signatures of voters in the rural, eastern Nevada county.

Beutel said the Anderson brothers may be biased against him because of their minor run-ins with authorities - including a citation for having a dog at large and a legal action against them for putting an old, wooden outhouse on the sidewalk outside the courthouse.