Swearing-In Held Today for Local Countywide Officials

(COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER MICHELLE KOLLMANN, SUPERVISOR OF ASSESSMENTS PAM BRAUN, SHERIFF PAUL KUHNS, AND COUNTY TREASURER AND COLLECTOR DEB RUHOLL)

Swearing-in ceremonies took place Thursday morning for those elected to countywide office in Effingham County in the November election.

Those taking office for new terms included County Sheriff Paul Kuhns, County Supervisor of Assessments Pam Braun, County Treasurer and Collector Deborah Ruholl, and County Clerk and Recorder Michelle Kollmann. The four were sworn in by retiring County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel as his final public act in office.

(EFFINGHAM COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER KERRY HIRTZEL ON HIS FINAL DAY IN OFFICE)

Kuhns has been serving as Sheriff since 2021 upon Dave Mahon's retirement, but has now been elected to his own term. He reflected on his performance in office as being for the interests of Effingham County and the protection of its citizens. He also mentioned every deputy, correctional officer, court security officer, and telecommunicator and their performance when on duty "especially when no one is looking."

Braun noted that she begins her fourth term as Supervisor of Assessments, and that Hirtzel's retirement leaves her as the longest-serving county elected official. She said of her office, "We are in the background, but that's as it should be", but noted the office is as important as any other office in the county.

Ruholl thanked the voters for their support and said she looks forward to working with her new staff. Ruholl has been working as County Board Secretary. She succeeds Paula Miller, who did not seek re-election and is retiring.

(THE FAMILY OF MICHELLE KOLLMANN AND HER HUSBAND ALAN, INCLUDING HER PARENTS, KENNY AND JUDY BRUMMER)

Hirtzel saved Kollmann's swearing-in for last, since she is succeeding him in office. That allowed him to swear in all the staff members before swearing in Kollmann, who has worked in the clerk and recorder's office for 25 years. He said he has enjoyed his time in office and that his 20-year tenure "has gone fast."

For her part, Kollmann said she thanked her "dedicated staff and wonderful family" for the support they will provide as she takes office. 

Hirtzel noted that Kollmann is the first female county clerk and recorder in county history.