The Truth Staff
The Lucas County Recorder’s office held its annual Staff Appreciation Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 11 at One Government Center. Staff and family members were treated to a buffet lunch of ham, roast beef, green beans, mac and cheese and cake. The highlight of the luncheon, however, took place when the Lucas County Recorder Michael Ashford recognized the service of five long-time Recorder Office employees.
“We are here to recognize our staff,” said Ashford leading off the honors. “We have a great staff … they do all the hard work.”
Ashford introduced the honorees who received recognition plaques for their years of service – Phil Wineland, Eric Smith, Makyla Wollenbecker, Misty Wheeler, Alecia Carson-Robinson. All have served at least 10 years in the office – Wineland, an IT specialist, being the most senior with 18 years in the office.
The Recorder’s office has the smallest number of employees of all the county branch offices but it may well be the most important, said Ashford.
“We are the most important part of the county because of the work we do,” he said. “Homeowners depend on us to be accurate.”
Ashford spoke of early days in the nation’s expansion as settlers moved into the interior of the continent away from the settled East Coast 13 original states. The two most important territorial officers, he noted, were the sheriff and the recorder. The recorder was so very crucial to verifying the ongoing land claims.
And the office still files and maintains those very important homeownership records.