BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) — The St. Clair County Board will vote Monday to appoint a replacement for former Sheriff Mearl Justus, who resigned this week after 30 years in the job.

St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern tells the Belleville News-Democrat that he recommends the board appoint Undersheriff Rick Watson to fill the unexpired term and serve as sheriff until 2014.

Kern appointed Watson to fill in until the board vote and says he’s confident Watson can do a wonderful job as sheriff.

Watson says he plans to run for sheriff in 2014.

Justus is 81 and has been recovering from a gall bladder surgery. He moved into an assisted living community last month.

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