Commissioners’ appointments mostly unchanged for 2024

With the exception of a pair of positions that are vacant, all personnel appointments made by the Putnam County Commissioners will remain the same entering 2024.

During their most recent meeting, the commissioners voted to reappoint all positions except courthouse head custodian and weights and measures director. In these cases, head custodian Andy Mitchell has resigned, while weights and measures director David Wilborn plans to retire.

Following recent interviews by commissioners David Berry and Tom Helmer, Corey Westgate was appointed as the new head custodian. Commissioner Rick Woodall joined his colleagues in making the decision unanimous.

In weights and measures, meanwhile, the commissioners are ready to start the interview process to replace Wilborn.

Those reappointed to their positions include Planning Director Lisa Zeiner, courthouse custodian Mike Phillips, part-time custodian Jenny Kersey, veterans officer David Heavin, County Engineer Jim Peck, highway administrative assistant Robin Hughes, highway secretary Mary Nichols, EMA and 911 Director Dave Costin, County Attorney Jim Ensley, EMS Director Kelly Russ and GIS director Robbie Cudnik.

The commissioners also made appointments to several local boards and committees, including Darrell Wiatt-Putnam County Park Board; Dillon Sutherlin-Putnam County Airport Authority Board; Jayne Bray and Joe Ferguson-Alcoholic Beverage Commission; Larry Tippin and Malachi Taylor-cemetery board; Laura Monnett and Wes Kendall-Convention and Visitors Bureau Board; Keith Landry and Rob Mann-Putnam County Hospital Board; Richard Cope-Walnut Creek Fire Protection District; Samantha Cooper-Thrive West Central Board; and Randy Bee and Raymond Cloud-board of zoning appeals.

In addition to reappointing Kendall and Monnett to the CVB Board, the commissioners received a request to appoint Alex Chamberlain to fill out the term of Page Cotton, who is planning to retire with one year remaining.

The commissioners, however, held off on making this appointment despite the request of CVB Director of Destination Development Mike Richmond.

The commissioners also made a new appointment to the Putnam County Board of Health based on the recommendation of Greencastle Mayor Bill Dory.

Under a new state statute, the mayor of the largest municipality in a county has the right to recommend finalists for a board of health position, with the commissioners making the final decision.

Urged by the mayor, the commissioners appointed DePauw Associate Vice President of Student Wellness and Athletic Director Stevie Baker-Watson to the position.