Clinton County probation chief retires; staff member Matthew Ryske named successor

Judge Mueller announced at the April 15 Clinton County Board of Commissioners meeting that Nancy, the county’s chief probation officer, is stepping down after 35 years of public service and introduced Matthew Ryske as her successor.

The move follows a decades-long career in local service: Judge Mueller said Nancy “has been with probation for the last 23 years, been our chief probation officer. Before that, 12 years with the department of child services, so a total of 35 years of service to the members of our community.”

Nut graf: The personnel change is both ceremonial and administrative: commissioners publicly thanked Nancy and approved a routine administrative action to update bank signatories for the probation office to reflect the transition.

At the meeting Nancy spoke briefly, joking that she had not cried and thanking officials for their support: “I didn't cry. So, no, I have appreciated your support.” Judge Mueller and other commissioners praised Nancy’s leadership and the continuity of staff in the probation office; Mueller said Nancy had helped bring Ryske along in recent years and that he would be the next chief probation officer.

During the department-heads portion of the meeting Nancy asked the commissioners to remove her name from the office checking account at Farmers Bank and add Matthew Ryske and office manager Alicia Server as signatories. The board voted to approve the change by voice vote; the motion passed 3-0.

Discussion at the meeting noted that Ryske had already worked with Nancy on budget and office matters. No changes to the department’s operating authority, staffing levels or funding were announced at the meeting.

Ending: The commissioners thanked Nancy for her service and indicated administrative paperwork to complete the transition would be handled in the coming days.