Monticello — Josephine Gregory has been appointed as interim Wayne County Clerk to

complete the unexpired term of Melissa Turpin, who resigned from the

position last week after entering guilty pleas on four felony charges.

Gregory was appointed by Wayne County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin on Friday,

October 23.

Gregory, who has more than 20 years experience working in the Wayne

County Clerk's office, was sworn in that morning. Gregory finished second in

the 2006 election for the clerk's position.

Rankin issued a statement on Friday, as state auditors prepared to

complete an inventory at the office, which had been closed since Turpin's

resignation on Tuesday afternoon. He described the situation surrounding

Turpin's resignation as "a sad situation for those involved and for our

community as a whole."

"We must move forward however and the county's business has to

continue," stated Rankin. "Our citizens need access to the clerk's office to

record deeds, license vehicles and conduct many other kinds of business. For

this reason, it is very important that we move as quickly as possible to

reopen the office."

Rankin said the responsibility of appointing an interim clerk was one

that he did not take lightly.

"The job of county clerk is a difficult one under normal circumstances

and will be even more difficult during these extraordinary times," said

Rankin. "It is vital that the next clerk have the knowledge and experience

to run the office effectively from day one. There is no time for on-the-job

training under these conditions. Our citizens deserve an office that

operates efficiently and safeguards their tax dollars at the same time.

These necessities were my priorities when considering potential

replacements."

Rankin noted that former Wayne County Clerk Carol Jones, who retired

from that office, has agreed to help on a volunteer basis during the

transition.

"I truly appreciate her willingness to give her time and talents to the

operation of the clerk's office and to the citizens of Wayne County," said

Rankin. "Together, Mrs. Gregory and Mrs. Jones have over 43 years of

experience working in the clerk's office. Our citizens will benefit from

their extensive knowledge."

The Wayne County Clerk's Office reopened on Monday morning at 8 a.m.

Gregory noted that office hours will be from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday

through Friday and from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday.