Bafus, Lothspeich honored

Shirley Bafus and Robert Lothspeich were honored Monday at a reception in the commissioners’ room of the courthouse. Bafus is concluding a 31-year career as the superior court clerk. She has been employed at the courthouse for a total of 42 years with the first 10 years as an employee in the treasurer’s office. Lothspeich has served 14.5 years as Whitman County Treasurer after being appointed to replace the late Mary Crawford. Both Bafus and Lothspeich said they plan to remain on the job until the end of the year to complete their four-year terms.

Jill Welchel Wahl and Mark Clinton will be sworn in to start their first terms as clerk and treasurer. Both were unopposed after filing for office when this year’s election process opened. Wahl has managed the court’s CASA program for juveniles and Clinton served as Colfax City treasurer.