Managing the unexpected
By Debbie Lowe

No one is exempt from having to cope with the unexpected events in their professional life...even Sheriff Tony Burns.

An attempt to do just that meant Carroll County Council met in special session Friday morning to hear and approve Burn's request to fill a position vacated by the resignation of a deputy last week.

"Things took a funny twist," Burns told council members explaining merit deputy Walt Raderstorf's decision to go back to a full-time jailer position, a position he held before becoming a merit employee.

"It's good we keep Walt on our team," he said. "I'm willing to take the time to get a good officer to replace him."

Burns intends to hire a recruit, who can successfully complete the police academy course. Reserve deputies will be utilized to help fill the gap until a new merit deputy can begin work. Eight reserve deputies serve the county currently and another four are expected to join in the next month.

Burns recently appointed a new merit board. Members include: David Weckerly, Rita Emmons, Mike Wilcox, Mike Fife, and Lee Hoard. Board members serve for four years. The first merit board meeting will be Feb. 20.

The next council meeting will be Feb. 26 at 8 a.m.