New Mercer County dog warden starts in November

CELINA - After 30 years as the Mercer County dog warden, Thomas Powell will retire at the end of this year.

County commissioner Jerry Laffin said Powell had planned to retire for some time.

Commissioners recently advertised the position of county dog warden, interviewed several candidates and chose Mark Baker of Fort Recovery to fill Powell's position. Baker is Powell's nephew.

Baker grew up around dogs, and as a child often helped Powell with his warden duties, said commissioner Dave Buschur.

Candidates were required to have a valid driver's license and a good driving record and possess the physical agility and stamina to apprehend stray and vicious dogs. The dog warden must be able to work weekends and holidays and "be compassionate with dogs and the public," the advertisement states.

There is no county-owned dog facility. Rather, dogs at present are stored in a county-leased facility on Powell's property.

Buschur said while it is not a no-kill pound, dogs are often adopted within an average of two days. He added that historically only dogs with a history of violence are euthanized.

In the employment advertisement, commissioners stipulate that the incoming dog warden must have room on his or her property to house dogs in ten, 10-by-5 foot pens provided by the county, running water and the ability to heat the facility. The facility must have a minimum of 1,100 square feet and be located in the county.

Buschur said Baker will start around November to begin training under Powell before his retirement. He added that the county will begin transferring its 14 dog kennels to Baker's residence at the end of the year. The county will lease the land on Baker's residence on Fort Recovery Minster Road.  

Baker will be tasked with efficiently running and enforcing the dog pound, protecting the public and livestock against dog vandalism, seizing and impounding stray dogs, caring for said dogs and maintaining a record of all dogs, among other duties.

In other business, commissioners approved a $2,214.48 contract with Galls of Lexington, Kentucky, for the purchase of six ballistic helmets at $369.08 each for Mercer County Sheriff's Office deputies.

County administrator Kim Everman said sheriff Jeff Grey plans to deputize multiple sheriff's office employees, and requested the purchase of the helmets for incoming deputies.

The helmets were paid from the sheriff's law enforcement fund.