Long-time county officials retiring

Three of the longest-serving Trempealeau County elected officials will not seek re-election this year, including county clerk Paul Syverson who has served for 45 years.

Also retiring after the November elections are Rose Ottum, register of deeds for 43 years, and Laurie Halama, who has been treasurer for 31 years. The three are among the seven county positions that are elected rather than hired. Members of the county board of supervisors are all also elected.

Syverson and numerous other employees were honored at an employees’ recognition event last Wednesday. County staff years of employment ranged from five years to Syverson’s 45.

Among other long-time employees are Mark Carlson of the department of land management, 30 years; Daniel Wieczorek of the sheriff’s department, 25 years; and Brian Puent of the sheriff’s department, 20 years.