TROY — Miami County employees and citizens were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their jobs during the Special Employee & Citizen Recognition Day Ceremony at the Miami County Municipal Courtroom on Friday, April 24.
Following comments by Miami County Commissioner Wade Westfall honoring the work of the county’s employees and citizens who work to make Miami County a better place to live, employees were recognized by Westfall, who was joined by Miami County Commissioners Greg Simmons and Ted Mercer in congratulating and thanking county employees.
Miami County Common Pleas Judge Stacy Wall spoke briefly before recognizing Miami County Common Pleas Court employees, telling those in attendance about the significant work of the Miami County Common Pleas Court. Wall then recognized Miami County Common Pleas Court employees Ashley Silvers and Melissa Thompson, who received special employee recognition.
Justin Lande of the Miami County Common Pleas Court Adult Probation Department introduced the department’s honorees, including Andrew Dodd and Jonathan Kanet, who received special employee recognition.
Miami County Animal Shelter Executive Director Rob Craft was recognized by Westfall for 25 years of service to the county, after which Craft honored a number of Miami County residents for their contributions to MCAS. Among those recognized were Simone Scribner, Staci Baker, Becky Christman, Preston Christman, Chuck Fox, Eve Frigge, and Rick Rickabaugh.
The Miami County Board of Elections Director, Christina Panagouleas-Stephens, honored resident Phil Mote with a special citizen recognition.
Beth Hull, director of the Miami County Communications Center, honored her employees, including Shannon Adams, for special employee recognition, and Sandra Hinkle, who was honored for 25 years of service.
Keagan Miller, president of the Miami County Veterans Services, honored Katherine Sowers and Timothy Knight for special employee recognition.
Miami County Auditor Matt Gearhardt honored Penny Andress and Gayle Carson for their years of service.
Miami County Clerk of Courts Shawn Peeples took the podium next to honor employees for their long service to the Clerk of Courts office. They included Teresa Patty, who was honored for 30 years of service, and Shari Atchley and Alicia Owens, who were recognized for 25 years of service.
Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) Director Brian Green honored Donna Brinkman, who has completed 30 years of service to the agency, and Steve McEldowney, who has served 25 years.
Miami County Public Health Department Director Dennis Propes recognized Pam Ramey, who has completed 30 years of service, and Nate Bednar, who was honored for 25 years of service.
Miami County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) Deputy Director Sharon Brulport honored Trudy Fugate and Amy Moore, both for 25 years of service.
Miami County Prosecutor Paul Watkins honored Annie Dornbusch for 30 years of service.
Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak honored some of his employees for their work, including Chief Deputy Steve Lord, who has served 30 years with the Miami County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), and Roger Davidson, Michael Marion, Jamie McGlinch, and Jack Snyder, who were recognized for 25 years of service.
Miami County Soil and Water Conservation District officials recognized their employees, including Jennifer Korte and Linda Raterman, who were both honored for 25 years of service.
Ben Howlett, Miami County Facilities and Maintenance director, honored Rob Evans, Gunnar Goodman and Michael Hensley.
Unable to attend, but recognized for their years of service were Miami County Municipal Court Administrator Anthony Blakley, who was recognized for 30 years of service, and Tawnya Emrick, who was also recognized for 30 years of service.
Cynthia Hanbuch-Pinkerton, of the Miami County Park District, was unable to attend, but was recognized for 30 years of service.
Michele Black of Miami Metropolitan Housing Authority (MMHA) and Miami County Community Action Council (MCCAC) was honored by Andria Beach, MMHA and MCCAC executive director, for special employee recognition and 47 years of service. Beach wrote, “Michele’s extraordinary 47-year career with MMHA and CAC stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and service. Beginning her journey at just 17 years old, Michele has been a steadfast and conscientious presence, embodying a level of commitment that is both rare and deeply impactful. Ever dependable and consistently driven, she has truly been the engine of the organization, quietly powering its mission and strengthening the community it serves. Michele’s legacy is one of loyalty, excellence, and enduring influence.”
Miami County Engineer Paul Huelskamp honored Sandy Curtis for 30 years of service and Jason Lyle for 25 years.
Following the ceremony, refreshments were served to those in attendance.