County sheriff’s office sees personnel changes

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 1/21/21

Significant moves were made in the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. The obvious approval of Kelly Cole as the new Wood County Sheriff replacing Tom Castloo was among the personnel changes.

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County sheriff’s office sees personnel changes

Posted

Personnel moves highlighted the Wood County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Significant moves were made in the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. The obvious approval of Kelly Cole as the new Wood County Sheriff replacing Tom Castloo was among the personnel changes. The new sheriff will be making $33.08 per hour.

New hires for the department were Nikki Wright replacing Bobby Sanders as chief deputy; Tim Koonce, patrol captain; Michael Chilson, CID lieutenant; Lacy Ogle, jail captain; McKenzie Chandler, deputy; David Tipps, deputy; Austin Milbourn, patrol sergeant; Billy Hill, CID sergeant; Linda Williams, bailiff; and Amanda Dollison, clerk II/CID.

Changing positions in the department will be Jake Williams, bailiff to jailer; Jonah Croney, CID sergeant to deputy; Louis Dahlam from jail sergeant to jail lieutenant; Carrie Hunt from records clerk to administrative assistant; and Tori Hunt from part-time records to records clerk.

Employees discharged and not being retained are Don Fortner, Chasen Lewis, Melissa Pollard, Bobby Sanders, George Hernandez, Brandon Morrow, Jonathan Rose, Norma Kelee Tarno, Mark Taylor, Lori Bentley, Joshua Davis, James Gillen, Willie Henderson, Jr., Angela Jacobs, Darren Lubbe, Nita Petty and Thomas A. Castloo.

Former Patrol Sergeant John McQueen left the sheriff’s department because he won the election for Constable Precinct 3 and was sworn in for those duties Jan. 1. In another personnel move, William Todd Jenkins was hired full-time as a road tech in Precinct 1. 

Incoming 402nd District Judge Brad McCampbell has hired Jana Rushing as official court reporter at an annual salary of $77,313; Susan Perez as district court coordinator; and discharged Kim Carpenter as court administrator.

Judge Lucy Hebron hired Christophe J. Trahan as the new executive director for the Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) at an annual salary of $53,664.

Commissioners acknowledged the order by McCampbell of Terri Sellars as Wood County auditor for a two-year term.

The IT Dept. report was approved. IT Director John Bell presented commissioners with recent accomplishments and plans. Plans include the installation of new video systems in the commissioners building just west of the courthouse and at juvenile probation. Bell reported on the continuing transition of telephone service to Peoples. 

In other matters, commissioners approved:

• A lease agreement with Ryan and Liz Eaton at Lake Hawkins RV Park.

• A standard logging agreement in Precinct 4 on CR 4645.

• The Yantis Volunteer Fire Dept. contract for 2021.

• Revision of lots 6 and 14, Section 5, Holly Lake Ranch Subdivision.