Cloud County approves multiple hires and reclassifications, appoints district coroner

The Cloud County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 21, 2025 approved a series of personnel actions that will add staff and change classifications across county departments.

At the start of the meeting Chairman Michael Cleveland and Commissioners Dannie Kearn and Ron Copple unanimously approved hiring Rodney Hake as a Recycling Operator (G1), effective March 10, 2025. The board later approved Highway Department hires Scott Sheely and Brett Thompson as Equipment Operator I (level H1), both effective Feb. 24, 2025, and Gavin Thomas as Courthouse Maintenance (G1) effective Feb. 20, 2025. The board also approved hiring Stacia Whitesell as Corrections Officer I (E1).

Sheriff Ken Davis informed the board of personnel changes in the Sheriff’s Office. The board accepted the resignation of Undersheriff James Belden, effective Feb. 18, 2025, and unanimously approved a slate of promotions and reclassifications effective Feb. 23, 2025: Nick Patterson from Patrol Sergeant to Under Sheriff (R14); Ashley Tobald from Patrol Deputy (J9) to Patrol Sergeant (O9); Jim Wilson from Investigator (M6) to Investigator/Sergeant (O6); and Matt Nevins from level M7 to level O7. Davis also discussed reclassifying the Jail Administrator position from level M to O and adding an Investigator/Sergeant position; he said he will provide a job description to the clerk’s office for processing.

County maintenance manager Jeff Thoman reported receiving a $4,408.90 Community Foundation grant to replace the courthouse AED and add a second unit, with an expected $300 trade-in credit for the existing device. The board discussed supervisory training and approved a Supervisory Skills for Success workshop; the clerk’s office said department heads and supervisors should attend and that job openings will be advertised for two weeks from first posting.

In a contract vote, the board approved appointing Dr. David Dupy as District Coroner for the 12th Judicial District effective March 1, 2025, to replace Roger Warren, who submitted his resignation effective Feb. 28, 2025. The board also approved Resolution 2025-10 appointing Ervin Underwood (Jewell County) to the 12th Judicial District Community Corrections/Juvenile Services Advisory Board for the remainder of a term through June 30, 2026.

All votes recorded in the minutes were made by motion (typically moved by Commissioner Copple and seconded by Commissioner Kearn) and were unanimous.