Twin Falls Man Named as Head of Department of Labor

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A state Board of Education member is shifting roles, after Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter named him to head the Idaho Department of Labor. Ken Edmunds of Twin Falls will fill the post starting Nov. 25, replacing Roger Madsen who held the job since 1995.

Edmunds is a Twin Falls businessman whose experience includes working as an accountant and controller as well as an executive for the company that operates Cactus Petes casino in Jackpot, Nev.

Otter said Edmund's years on the Board of Education, along with his private sector experience, make him a good bet for the job leading the agency that handles, among other things, unemployment claims. Otter said he's confident Edmunds will carry on Madsen's 18-year run of extraordinary leadership. Madsen's final day at the agency was Friday.