MOUNT VERNON — Beginning July 1, Knox County will have a new deputy registrar. Michael Kellenbarger, Newark, has been awarded the 2010-13 contract to operate the Knox County license bureau. He will replace Sam Barone, who has operated the bureau for over 20 years.

“The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles issues requests for proposals for the selection and appointment of deputy registrars to operate license agencies throughout Ohio,” said Lindsey Bohrer, public information officer for Ohio BMV. “Deputy registrars are independent contractors and are selected on a competitive basis.”

“Though disappointed by the outcome of the competitive bid process, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve our community as deputy registrar the past 23 years,” said Barone. “My tenure has spanned that of four governors, multiple registrars and a generation of Knox County motorists.