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Local News

Saturday, November 07, 2009

New chief deputy clerk has a public service bloodline
By JORDAN CRAVENS

staff Writer

Public service is in the bloodline of Melissa Soto, who has been named chief deputy clerk for Hancock County Probate Court.

Soto, who has worked as a probate court clerk since 1995, is the granddaughter of former Hancock County Sheriff Lyle Harvitt, who held the position from 1933-1943. Her father, Kerwin Harvitt, served as chief of the adult probation department. Her brother is a sheriff's deputy and her grandmother was a former probate court employee, she said.

"When I appointed her, I didn't realize she had all this history," said Judge Allan Davis.

Davis appointed Soto as chief deputy clerk following the retirement of Judy Houdeshell, who stepped down after 44 years of service last month.

"She's done an excellent job as a deputy clerk and really stepped up when (Houdeshell) was out" for an injury, Davis said.

Soto, a Findlay resident, said she is proud to be following in the footsteps of her family members.

"I know it means a lot to my family," she said.

Soto worked for a private attorney before working at the court. She will now be in charge of two full-time and one-part time deputy clerks in the probate division. She will handle record keeping for marriage licences, change of name proceedings, guardianships, adoptions, land appropriation cases, and commitment of the mentally ill.

"I am just going to try and keep everything status quo," she said. Houdeshell "taught us how to deal with the public very well and we'd like to keep doing that."


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adam wrote in article "Village patrols may be restored in future":
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“ i totally agree with you! when you call them nothing happens (unless you have a little bit of pot). I called police on a passed... ” Read More...
11/20/2009 3:21:12 PM
adam wrote in article "Corn dust bothers elevator neighbor":
grain
“ hey if you dont like the problems caused by this you should move. Otherwise shut up and count your blessings that YOU have a pla... ” Read More...
11/20/2009 3:15:05 PM
adam wrote in article "Two charged after robbery":
pizza
“ you would be amazing sometimes the ammount they carry. Sometimes its a whole nights woth of working that they gota payback. ” Read More...
11/20/2009 3:10:23 PM
TG wrote in article "Village patrols may be restored in future":
Capt. Treece
“ Why don't you put your money where your mouth is Capt. Treece. Bring out those numbers. The correct ones. I bet you make almo... ” Read More...
11/20/2009 2:52:23 PM
Chilli wrote in article "Extra enforcement slated for Saturday due to big game":
Extra Enforcement
“ I always wonder why they tell the public what roads are choosen for patrols. Can't the drunk driver just go another route? ” Read More...
11/20/2009 2:48:36 PM
james wrote in article "Village patrols may be restored in future":
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11/20/2009 2:01:31 PM
Get Real wrote in article "Two charged after robbery":
Why is this thug on the street anyway?
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11/20/2009 1:35:27 PM
Scott wrote in article "Two charged after robbery":
Robbery
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JP wrote in article "Corn dust bothers elevator neighbor":
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News Briefs Work scheduled on Findlay streets
Findlay's Main Street, northbound, will be reduced at times to one lane between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for waterline connection.

Main Street will not be accessible from East Lincoln Street. Lincoln Street will be closed to through traffic from South Main Street to South Blanchard Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for continued improvement work. Access to local businesses and residents only will be maintained.

Recount planned in trustee's race
OTTAWA -- After certifying election results on Wednesday, the Putnam County Board of Elections has announced a recount will be required for the Union Township trustee race, according to Deputy Director Shelly Burkhart.

The recount will be completed on Wednesday at the county elections board office, 336 E. Main Street, Ottawa.

Incumbent Daniel R. Ellerbrock has secured his position on the board, earning 685 votes. However the remaining trustee spot will require a recount as Gery P. Wurth earned 598 votes and Mark J. Kahle collected 601 votes, according to official results.

An automatic recount is necessary if the margin is within one-half of 1 percent of total votes cast, according to state law.

Road to be closed
Forest Lake Drive, between Marion Township 237 and Indian Lake Drive/Forest Lane, will be closed today for a pipe installation.

The road is expected to open by 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use Township 242.