The Emporia Gazette

February 14, 2012

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It is going to take two people to replace Jeanne Turner, longtime clerk of the district court.

One of the replacements was announced this morning in the Lyon County Commission meeting.

Administrative District Judge Merlin Wheeler told the county commission this morning that Ruth Wheeler of Emporia — no relation to the judge — will begin work as the court administrator June 16. Wheeler currently commutes to Ottawa each day, where she is the chief court officer.

“We are very high on her resume and her abilities and really are looking forward to getting her started,” Merlin Wheeler said.

Turner, who has been clerk of the district court for 27 years, announced her retirement in April. She will retire June 13.

The judge said Ruth Wheeler will be the court administrator. The department is splitting up Turner’s duties and will hire a clerk of the district court.

Ruth Wheeler said she has lived in Emporia since 1982, when she came to obtain a degree at Emporia State University in rehabilitation services. She said much of her studies focused on the offender population, which is what led her to work in the court system. She did an internship at the Lyon County District Court in 1986.

“It’s nice to come home and be able to work in the community,” she said.

Wheeler said her new job in Lyon County is a good opportunity for her.

“This will allow me to expand and learn new tricks,” she said.

The job will be good for her gasoline expenses, too. It’s 55 miles one way to Ottawa, Wheeler said.

“I’ll be able to get a nice car,” she told commissioners.