A former Mower County Attorney is now the Fillmore County Attorney.

But the position isn't his forever in a version of musical county attorneys.

Patrick A. Oman is now the interim Fillmore County Attorney.

Oman was recruited for the position by former Fillmore County Attorney Matt Opat.

Karen Brown, the Fillmore County coordinator, who also acts as the county's human resource director, explained the changes.

Brett Corson, the new Fillmore County Attorney, was elected last November, when Opat stepped down. Then, Corson was ordered to active duty in the U.S. Army Reserve and sent to Kabul, Afghanistan, for a year-long tour of duty.

Opat, the former Fillmore County Attorney, was recruited to return to work for Fillmore County in the role of legal advisor to the county commissioners on zoning and land use issues, Brown said.

In addition, Opat will counsel the county on human resource matters.

"He has a wealth of experience in many areas that will be invaluable to the county," Brown said.

With Corson gone, the Fillmore County Commissioners asked Opat to consider taking over the county attorney duties during Corson's absence.

Opat had left the county attorney's position to avoid prosecuting felony and gross misdemeanor criminal cases and try something different. He initially refused the commissioners' offer to return to the post.

Meanwhile, Oman was working for the Warren F. Plunkett & Associates law firm in Austin.

When Opat called Oman, the former Mower County Attorney told him, "I was not going to leave the Plunkett's just after starting with them, but (I also) told him to keep me updated on developments and I would see if something could fit in."

Then, Brown worked out a compromise to the satisfaction of all parties.

Fillmore County is contracting with the Plunkett law office to provide prosecution of felony and gross misdemeanor crimes.

Oman will take over those duties as the interim Fillmore County Attorney beginning midnight Friday.

"Needless to say I was honored to have been considered for the position," Oman said. "While I was Mower County Attorney, I had the opportunity to work with both Matt Opat and now Judge Robert Benson and Fillmore County Chief Deputy Sheriff Daryl Jensen."

Oman lost a bid for re-election last November to Patrick W. Flanagan, who was an assistant Mower County Attorney.

Shortly after the new year began and Flanagan took office, Oman resurfaced as an attorney in the Plunkett law firm.

Flanagan hired Eric Herndeen, a former Fillmore County Attorney, to join his Mower County staff.

Todd Pierce was hired to fill Herndeen's vacancy in February on the Fillmore County Attorney's staff.

Oman's tour as interim Fillmore County Attorney will end when Corson is released from active duty, according to Brown.

Fillmore County has a 30-day "out" clause with the Plunkett law firm for Oman's services.

Oman, the veteran prosecutor, said he is looking forward to his new prosecutorial duties in Fillmore County.

"The upcoming year will be interesting to say the least," Oman said, "but I am sure that will all our efforts things will go smoothly."

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com