The field of contenders to become the new manager of Moore County was reduced by one this week when Assistant County Manager Ken Larking announced his resignation.

Larking, who is in his third year at the position, will become the new deputy city manager for Dan-ville, Va. He begins his new duties on March 18.

"We have made a lot of friends here in the past three years, and I count many of my co-workers among them," Larking said. "I hope to stay in touch with everyone here."

Larking said his family's attendance at Chapel in the Pines in Seven Lakes made the decision "all the more difficult."

"I will miss attending services on a regular basis, but the move to Danville presents a better opportunity for my career," he said. "With more than 1,000 employees and a $250 million budget, the city of Danville provides services that I'm really interested in."

Larking said he will "supervise a handful" of departments in his new position.

County staff members responded with praise for their popular co-worker.

"Ken is a very smart and capable person," said County Clerk Laura Williams. "He is a great listener, and is always sensitive to the effects of his decisions on others. One of my favorite things about Ken is his sense of humor, and I will miss the laughs he brought to the office each day."

Williams related a story that she said will follow Larking "no matter where he moves."

"I once told him that I liked to have wine and cheese on Friday nights, and he told me that he figured me for more of a fried chicken kind of girl," she said, laughing. "I'm not going to let him live that one down."

A native of Ontario, Canada, Larking moved to the United States as a child. He earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in public administration from Appalachian State University.

Prior to coming to Moore County, Larkin was the town manager in Yadkinville for seven years and spent four years as the budget and performance manager for the city of Hickory.

Moore County Commis-sioners Chairman Nick Picerno said Larking will be missed.

"Ken will be moving up the ladder to a bigger place," Picerno said. "He is excellent at analyzing numbers and will be really helpful to them in that capacity.

"We understand that he has to do what is best for himself and his family, and we wish him all the best."

Larking, who attended high school in Winston-Salem, will continue in his position until March 15.

Contact John Lentz at (910) 693-2479 or jlentz@thepilot. com.