2010 sees slew of leadership position changes in Lincoln and Logan County

4 city of Lincoln department officials retire

[December 31, 2010]  Looking back on the past year, Lincoln and Logan County saw numerous changes in leadership. Overall, retirements constituted the most common cause of change.

Lincoln

The city of Lincoln won the tally for most changes in officials, with four department head positions and one alderman changed in the year 2010.

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* It began in November 2009 when Stuart Erlenbush, interim Lincoln police chief, announced that he planned to resume his retirement plan in March 2010.

Erlenbush had been hired to audit the department but was then asked to take the position of chief to implement changes he had outlined. Which he did in the interest of bettering the department. His commitment to one year expanded to three years.

In his last year, Erlenbush put in some of the hardest time seen by the department. No lives were lost during his involvement in a shootout with a gunman who had taken a vehicle and a hostage. A little over a month later he was assisting Logan County Sheriff Steve Nichols with the investigation of the horrific Gee family murders.

Departing Police Chief Erlenbush gives honors to officers -- in pictures

Departing Lincoln Police Chief Erlenbush addresses council

* In May, a local 19-year veteran officer brought up through the ranks of the Lincoln Police Department was presented to take Erlenbush's place. By mayoral appointment and unanimous council approval, Sgt. Ken Greenslate became Lincoln's next chief of police.

From his first day, Greenslate continued his role as the D.A.R.E. officer, because he said that was essential to the community. "Having a strong rapport with the community's youth can help prevent them from being future 'customers' of the police department," he says.

The council unanimously agreed to Greenslate's request to keep Mike Geriets, a 21-year veteran of the Lincoln Police Department, as his deputy chief.

Greenslate appointed police chief; city treasurer tenders letter of resignation

Picture of Chief Greenslate being sworn in

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*In February, the city's 15-year building code and enforcement officer, Les Last, announced that he would retire.

In April, the council had a reception honoring Last for his service..

Last farewell. Les Last retires from city -- in pictures

* Chosen from 28 applicants and 15 interviewees, John R. Lebegue was named by the city as its new building and safety officer. Lebegue stepped into his office on March 29 and has been running hard, involved and engaged with the council and the community since.

New code officer hired, Fifth Street Road and more

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* In another retirement, 15-year veteran Les Plotner concluded his service as city treasurer in May.

Following his last financial report to the city, Plotner announced that his first retirement plan was to take a 10-day Canadian fishing trip with friends and family. And then, he said, "I plan to frequent the golf course, do more fishing in the local area and do some traveling with my wife."

We're waiting for pictures of big fish, Les.

Plotner addresses council for last time as city treasurer

* On June 21, Mayor Keith Snyder presented Charles "Chuck" Conzo to the council for their approval as the city's next treasurer. The council unanimously accepted Conzo, and he was sworn into office by city attorney Bill Bates that evening.

City briefs: Conzo sworn in as treasurer, sign ordinance postponed and more

Chuck Conzo getting comfortable as city treasurer

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* Kent Hulett, city fire chief, tendered his resignation just last month. Hulett took a new assignment that moved him north into Packers territory as fire chief for the Chippewa Wisconsin Fire District.

Fire Chief Kent Hulett tenders resignation

A farewell to the fire chief

* Snyder appointed Mark Miller, the assistant fire chief, as interim chief effective Nov. 26.

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*And, a loss. No one was prepared for the unanticipated death of a young alderman, Nathan Turner, in February. Turner had less than a year in office but was already making his mark with the council in economic planning for the city.

Turner was only 29 years old, a husband and new father. He died unexpectedly at home following a heart-related surgery.

A life to measure by: Nathan Turner

* On May 4, at the city's first meeting of the fiscal year, Snyder made the recommendation of local businessman Tom O'Donohue to fill the Ward 4 seat that had remained vacant following Turner's death.

New alderman approved for the vacant Ward 4 seat

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Mount Pulaski

*Mount Pulaski saw a surprise turnover in its mayoral seat as multi-term Mayor Bill Glaze's full-time job moved him and his family out of the area.

*Alderman Jim Fuhrer stepped up to fill that vacancy.

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Logan County

* Mary Ellen Bruns, Logan County treasurer, announced her intended retirement and Vicki Dugan was voted into office.

Logan County Treasurer Bruns to retire

Community thanks Mary Ellen Bruns -- album

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*A vacancy in the circuit clerk's office led to the election of Mary Kelley.

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*Three county board seats opened and were filled in the November election. New to the board: M.E. "Gene" Rohlfs, District 4; Arthur "Andy" Anderson, District 5; and Andrew L. Meister, District 3.

Logan County Board heads into last adjourned session under current organization

County board reorganizes after swearing in officials

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* At the start of November, the Logan County Board's 20-year administrative assistant, JoAnne Marlin, announced her retirement.

* This week Marlin is busy imparting her knowledge to replacement Pam Meagher.

Logan County Board's key employee to retire

Meagher begins new county job

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Schools

Two changes took place in education leadership that impact the community.

A good grade school principal stays deep in the hearts and memories of its students, a community's future citizens.

*The retirement of Washington-Monroe's Becky Cecil evidenced such distinction.

Becky Cecil retires from Washington-Monroe -- Album 1

Becky Cecil retires from Washington-Monroe -- Album 2

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Lincoln and Logan County have the benefit of two residential colleges and a community college. Those colleges each play vital roles to all of Logan County.

*In February, Lincoln College President John Hutchinson announced his intention to retire. Not only did Dr. Hutchinson strongly engage with the community through the college, but his wife, Jean Ann, also contributed through the Logan County Regional Planning Commission and other community activities.

*It was with confidence that the college's board of trustees announced that the next president, Jon Astroth, was one already familiar and interested in the community.

Astroth, who had served as president of Heartland Community College since 1991, is known as a hard worker who expects the same of others.

In August, Astroth took headship of the only college or university to be named for President Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime.

President John Hutchinson leaving Lincoln College

Jon Astroth selected as 20th president of Lincoln College

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These were just a few of the notable changes this past year in who has served or stepped into service to our community.

We thank all who have in the past or are now choosing to lead, whether through a role that is public or in private service that betters our community.

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