BELLE — Eastern District Commissioner Doug Drewel has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 31, from the Maries County Commission.

Drewel submitted a handwritten letter of resignation stating that he had decided it was time to retire from his role as Eastern District commissioner. In the letter, Drewel expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the people of Maries County and reflected positively on his time in office.

In his resignation letter, Drewel said:

“After much thought, I have decided it is time for me to retire from my role as Eastern District Commissioner, effective January 31, 2026.

Serving the people of Maries County has been a privilege I will always be grateful for. I have truly enjoyed working alongside dedicated colleagues, county staff and community partners, and I am thankful for the trust and kindness shown to me over the years.

I am especially grateful to my family for their steady support, and to the residents of this county for allowing me to serve them.

With gratitude,

Doug Drewel

Eastern District Commissioner

January 31, 2026”

Drewel also thanked county residents for their trust over the years and expressed gratitude to his family for their continued support during his time in office.

Drewel’s retirement leaves approximately three years remaining in the current term for the Eastern District commission seat.

No additional details regarding a successor filling the seat were included in the letter. It will be up to Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman and Western District Commissioner Patrick Kleffner to appoint an interim replacement to the position.