St. Croix County comings and goings

• Denzer and Gillen

Two veteran county employees took over the top spot in their respective offices June 5. Ellen Denzer became planning and zoning director and Dan Gillen took over as corporation counsel.
• Plourde

Wanda Plourde retired after 27 years in the St. Croix County Veteran’s Service Office and received certificate of appreciation during an open house June 22. Presenting the plaque included Veterans Service Officer Merlin Blaisdell, left, and County Administrator Pat Thompson, right.

Talk about it

There has been a changing of the guard of sorts in the county offices at the government center this month.

Wanda Plourde, a fixture in the Veterans Service office for 30 years, retired June 22. There was an all-day open house in the vet’s office to bid her farewell that included the presentation of a certificate of appreciation from County Administrator Pat Thompson and Veterans Service Officer Merlin Blaisdell.

Wanda worked with the vets for 30 years starting with a three-year part-time position in February 1983.

Administrative Secretary Geri Campbell took over Wanda’s duties as benefits specialist June 25.

Ellen Denzer, a 24-year veteran of the planning and zoning department, officially stepped up from senior planner to assume the duties of planning and zoning director June 5. She replaced David Fodroczi who retired last November.

Dan Gillen, a veteran of 22 and one-half years with the county, moved up from assistant corporate counsel to take over the position of corporation counsel June 5. He fills a void created when Greg Timmerman resigned Nov. 18.

In addition Tabatha Hansen of Black River Falls was recently named finance director. She will take over July 9 replacing Michelle Pietrick who resigned from the position in March.

Several other retirements were announced in June. Mary Hecker left as administration secretary at the UW-Extension office in Baldwin on June 1 after 21 years of service.

Duane Ruosch completed 36 years as a highway maintenance worker on June 14.

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