Ron Martin is in charge of several Buchanan County inspections now that the county has ended some of it's inspection agreements with the city of St. Joseph.

Ron Martin has been on the job for almost a week now. Looking at Buchanan County restaurants, trying to sort out septic tank problems and dealing with plumbing inspectors.

It became official Tuesday morning as the county commissioners signed an order officially giving Martin the authority to inspect. He will oversee food inspections at up to 16 facilities in Buchanan County, all septic tank inspections outside St. Joseph city limits, investigating animal neglect cases and responding to vicious animal calls.

After his first week, Martin says he hasn't had any real surprises. good or bad.

Martin says he thinks Buchanan County residents will be better served with their own inspector.even if it is only a force of one.

Martin is the former owner/manager of Leaverton Auto Supply of St. Joseph.