Annette Smith will take over as the 1st Deputy in the Washington County Clerk’s Office effective June 1st.

The Washington County Commissioners approved her appointment on Monday morning after their acknowledgement of Marjorie Parrish’s retirement letter. Smith will fill the 18-months remaining in Parrish’s term.

Letters regarding Peace Officer status for retired Deputies John D. Groomes and Jason Mantooth were discussed later by the Washington County Commissioners. Sheriff Scott Owen said Deputy Groomes just left the Sheriff’s Office after ten years of service and was hired on with the Dewey Police Department. Owen said Mantooth’s Peace Officer status was an oversight for unknown reasons.

Granting them their Peace Officer status was the Sheriff Office’s desire to exercise due diligence. The Washington County Commissioners would approve the letters in their meeting.