New acting clerk appointed

NORWALK — Gina Hartman has been appointed to take over for retiring Huron County Clerk of Courts Susan Hazel. Huron County Commissioners voted all in favor of Hartman at their meeting Thursday morning. Hazel's last day will be Oct. 31 and Hartman will become acting clerk of courts on Nov. 1. According to Ohio law, "the Board of Commissioners may appoint a person to hold the office of Clerk of Courts as acting officer and to perform the duties thereof from the occurrence of the vacancy and the time when a successor can be appointed by the current office holder's political party central committee, is qualified, and takes the office." Because Hazel is a Republican, the Republican Party's central committee, will now be tasked to officially fill her role. Huron County Republicans cannot appoint someone to take Hazel's job until she has been gone at least five days, according to Ohio law. The committee has until 45 days after Hazel retires to officially appoint somebody. Hartman has already taken out petitions and filed them to run for clerk of courts. She is the only candidate to take out petitions, according to the board of elections officials. Hazel has been the clerk of courts for more than 20 years. "After much consideration, I am announcing my retirement effective Oct. 31, 2023," Hazel told commissioners earlier this month. "It has been an honor to serve as the Huron County Clerk of Courts of Common Pleas for more than 20 years." Hazel also thanked those who have helped her along the way. "I am deeply grateful to my staff, who give their very best to serve the citizens of Huron County, to our judicial team, as well as to the many county employees, elected officials, attorneys and their staff, area auto dealerships, Ohio Clerk of Courts Association participants and community members who have assisted the Clerk's Office and me throughout the years," Hazel said. Commissioner Terry Boose praised Hartman. "I think this is a win-win for everybody," Boose said. Hartman could not be reached for comment. In other business, commissioners approved a contract between the Huron County Coroner's Office and the Board of Lucas County Commissioners and the Lucas County Coroner to provide autopsies when requested for 2024. The resolution approved by commissioners says "the Lucas County Coroner has advised that he is willing to perform such services as requested by the Huron County Coroner, for the costs incurred during the performance of said work." Meanwhile, commissioners are set to go out for bids for the new senior center the week of Oct. 24 and they will open bids the week of Nov. 13. The new senior center project — estimated to be about 15,000 square feet — is being financed by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 after Huron County voters turned down the same project three times previously. The new center will be built next to the Norwalk License Bureau and Title Office building at 305 Shady Lane Drive. The new senior center will feature a commercial kitchen, space to eat, and flexible spaces for activities, among other things.