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Commissioner Wilt thanked by colleagues; special meeting set to appoint acting commissioner
Summary
Outgoing Commissioner Melanie Wilt received public remarks of appreciation; the board announced a Jan. 2, 2026 special meeting to appoint former Commissioner Richard Lohnes as acting commissioner until the party committee makes an interim appointment.
Commissioner Melanie F. Wilt received multiple public expressions of appreciation at the Dec. 30 Clark County Commissioners meeting as she prepares to retire. Sheriff Chris Clark, Clerk of Courts Melissa Tuttle, Recorder's Office staffer Bonnie Sakaitis, Moorefield Township Trustee Daren Cotter and Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck each offered remarks thanking Wilt for her leadership.
During audience comments and commission updates, Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse outlined the process for filling a vacancy when a commissioner resigns: the two remaining commissioners appoint an interim until the county party central committee names a replacement to serve until the next election. Rittenhouse said former Commissioner Richard Lohnes said he would serve as acting commissioner and the Board scheduled a special meeting for Jan. 2, 2026, to make the interim appointment.
Commissioner Patterson noted there is a robust candidate pool running for the seat. The board recorded a unanimous adjournment vote at the conclusion of the meeting.
No formal appointment to a permanent vacancy was made at this meeting; the special meeting on Jan. 2 will address the short-term appointment.
