By LAURA JAMESON ljameson@lockhaven.com

LOCK HAVEN - The Clinton County Board of Commissioners honored its out-going Chief Deputy James Worden for nearly three decades of service to the county this week.

The board unanimously approved Worden's retirement during its voting session on Thursday and provided him with a certificate of appreciation which read: "This certificate is awarded to Chief Deputy James Worden in sincere gratitude for 29 years, from July 5, 1995 to Nov. 5, 2024, of dedicated service to Clinton County Government. The county will be forever grateful and he is retiring with distinction."

Sheriff Kerry Stover offered his own parting words to Deputy Chief Worden, who served in his role since Stover was elected in 2016.

Stover noted it was a "no brainer" to keep Worden in his position, with the chief deputy having been put in the position by former Sheriff Charles Ankney in 2001.

"It's bitter sweet, I'm glad that he can retire but he's going to be missed. I have good people in the office and I selected a chief deputy to take his place but I'm going to miss him and wish him the best," Stover said.

Worden's retirement will take effect on Nov. 5.

In other personnel related matters the board:

- Accepted a resignation from Jay Young, part-time data collector in the assessment office, effective Nov. 8. Though Young couldn't attend the meeting, Commissioner Angela Harding noted he would also receive a certificate thanking him for 16 years of service to the county.

- Hired Travis Suydam as a caseworker for Children and Youth Social Services, effective Oct. 21, at an annual salary of $39,543.

- Promoted Jodi Hall from dispatcher trainee to full-time 9-1-1 dispatcher, effective Oct. 15, at an annual salary of $38,750.

- Established a part-time maintenance specialist position in the facilities management department at an hourly rate of $15.50, not to exceed 1,000 hours annually. The position was officialized through a unanimous vote by the Salary Board.

- Hired John Jarrett as part-time maintenance specialist for the county, effective Oct. 14, until no later than April 30, 2025, at an hourly rate of $30 per hour, not to exceed 1,000 hours annually. Jarrett's hiring was officialized through a unanimous vote by the Salary Board.

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