Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam administers the oath of office to Commissioner-elect Tim Ginter as Tim’s wife Pam holds his Bible Friday morning. Ginter will begin his first four-year term as commissioner on Jan. 2, taking the seat vacated by Commissioner Tim Weigle, who’s retiring after 12 years. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

LISBON — A tale of two Tims took place Friday in the commissioners meeting room inside the Columbiana County Courthouse.

Commissioner Tim Weigle bid farewell during his final meeting, signaling the end of his third term and the end of a 35-year career of public service, while Commissioner-elect Tim Ginter of Salem recited his new oath to serve the people beginning Jan. 2.

“It’s been a great 12 years — 35 years went by pretty quick,” Weigle said.

A lifelong resident of Unity Township, that’s where his public service began as a township trustee for 23 years. Then he moved to the courthouse as a commissioner.

The man set to take his seat is no stranger to the people of Columbiana County since he served them as a state representative in Columbus for eight years.

Ginter spoke highly of Weigle, his soon-to-be predecessor, saying it’s going to be both an honor and a challenge to follow him because of his good service.

“I’m looking forward to getting in the saddle and beginning to serve as commissioner. I believe the county’s in excellent condition and plan on continuing that,” Ginter said.

Weigle decided early on that he wasn’t going to run for a fourth term, opting instead for retirement. That opened up the seat for the election this year and Ginter decided to run for the Republican nomination. He beat Lisbon resident John Williams in the March primary, then won election in the fall against Democrat Ray Cox, also of Salem.

“I plan on continuing the policies and practices which have made Columbiana County successful,” Ginter said.

Shortly after the commissioners’ meeting ended, county Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam administered the oath of office to Ginter as Ginter’s wife Pam held his Bible. His first official Board of Commissioners meeting will take place at 9 a.m. Jan. 8.

As one of his last acts, Weigle administered the oath of office to county Recorder Jim Armeni, who’s beginning his second four-year term Jan. 1. Armeni was surrounded by his wife, Lorrie, his son Jim Armeni Jr. and his son U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ross Armeni, who held the Bible during the swearing-in ceremony.

During the commissioners’ meeting, county Department of Job and Family Services Director Rachel Ketterman presented Weigle with a small gift and commented, “You have always pushed me to think outside of the box.”

She credited his support and help over the years with making her a good director.

“I thank you for always having my back,” she said.

Commissioner Mike Halleck also thanked Weigle and said it’s been a pleasure to work with him, adding they’ve had a good board, with former Commissioner Jim Hoppel and with Commissioner Roy Paparodis, who’s starting his new term Jan. 3 after being re-elected.

“The county cemetery has never looked better,” Halleck said, referring to the work put in by Weigle and his wife to maintain it.

Halleck ended his comments by saying, “It’s been great working with you.”