By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Ashley Herpich will be sworn in as county clerk at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31. She will fill the void left by county clerk Tina Spencer being hired as county administrator, effective Feb. 1.

Herpich, whose selection was sent to the governor’s office for official appointment, will serve out the remainder of Spencer’s term, which expires Jan. 13, 2025.

She will stand for election in November 2024.

Her swearing-in ceremony will be on the main-floor hallway of the courthouse. Light refreshments will be served.

Herpich, deputy county clerk for more than 10 years and an employee of the clerk’s office since 2011, was selected by ounty Republican precinct committeemen and women.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve as county clerk,” Herpich said. “I appreciate the support of the precinct committee and staff in the county clerk’s office, and I am grateful for Tina’s leadership —for always challenging me and believing in me to be able to take this step.”

Spencer praised the selection of Herpich.

“Ashley is a highly qualified, capable individual with a friendly attitude and a willingness to serve,” Spencer said. “She is a hard worker, continual learner, and has demonstrated over and over through her actions that she has the qualities necessary to be successful as the next Marion County clerk.

“She is thorough and cares about the details. She is also a fun and beautiful soul, and I believe she is the perfect person to take the reins when I step down.”