"Paul told me that he has decided to stay on as county engineer," stated Ulmer, "and that he will not be the plant manager for the biodiesel project."

Louis Scheuring, president of the Board of Directors for Nishna Valley Bioenergy, Manilla, confirmed the information.

"Through correspondence with me, Paul indicated that he had a change of heart due to the time commitment involved," explained Scheuring.

Scheuring stated the biodiesel plant is a full-time position, "and then some".

Two weeks ago, Assman had announced to the board of supervisors that he would be resigning from his position as county engineer, to become the project manager for Nishna Valley Bioenergy.

The board did not act on his letter of resignation at that time because it was not on the meeting's agenda.

Last Tuesday the board of supervisors tabled action on Assman's letter of resignation after Assman said he would like to discuss staying on as county engineer in "some way, shape or form" while still serving as project manager for the biodiesel plant.

Assman is also on the Nishna Valley Bioenergy Board of Directors. He had planned to step down from the board when he assumed the role of project manager.

"He'll stay on the board," continued Scheuring. "He brings a lot of good information and advice to the board members."

Assman told the Denison Bulletin & Review he would officially announce his plans in a prepared statement at today's (Tuesday's) board of supervisors meeting.

Denison Bulletin & Review's sources said three qualified candidates with ethanol and/or biodiesel new construction engineering experience and that the person filling the new position would be announced soon.