By Rhys Baker

For the third time, the jury trial of former Sheriff’s Deputy Harold “Hank” Stellner has been continued. Stellner’s current charges include misdemeanor mistreatment of a confined person and misdemeanor battery.

In a motion to continue, the trial was delayed after Stellner was diagnosed with a serious medical condition and recently had surgery. Stellner wanted to proceed with the trial, but his physician has informed the court that his recovery will be lengthy and that it is unreasonable that Stellner will be able to participate in a trial less than two weeks after surgery. 

The trial date is now set for November 4 in Clay County District Court at the Clay County Courthouse at 9 a-m. The trial is anticipated to last two days.