Worley sworn in as Hillsboro law director; outgoing law director Beery recognized - The Highland County Press

Family, friends and members of the community gathered at the Hillsboro City Building Friday, Feb. 25 to celebrate the appointment of new Hillsboro Law Director Randalyn Worley and to thank former Law Director Fred Beery for his many years of service to the city.

As previously reported, Hillsboro’s representatives on the Highland County Republican Central Committee appointed Worley as the next law director for the City of Hillsboro during a special meeting Monday, Feb. 21. Beery retired from the position in late 2021 and was reappointed by Mayor Justin Harsha to serve as an independent contractor until a new candidate was selected.

A crowd that included family members and friends of both Worley and Beery, city and county public officials, attorneys and law enforcement officers gathered in the lobby of the city building Friday morning to watch as Beery administered the oath of office to Worley. Worley’s husband Paul, assisted by their sons George and Graham, held the Bible as Worley was sworn in.

Worley was admitted to the bar in Ohio in 2009. Originally from Ironton, Worley received her Juris Doctor from Phoenix School of Law in Arizona and a bachelor of arts from The Ohio State University.

She has experience representing other municipalities during her tenure as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Adams County.

“We live here in Hillsboro,” Worley told The Highland County Press. “I represent some other villages, Adams County commissioners and township trustees and other elected officials in Adams County through the prosecutor’s office, so it’s going to be nice to serve my hometown.”

In addition to working with the city administration, Worley said she is excited to take over as prosecutor at Hillsboro Municipal Court, as she said it is a “new era” there. Along with Beery stepping down, former Municipal Court Judge David McKenna — who was judge for 21 years — retired in October 2021. The city is still awaiting the appointment of a replacement by Governor Mike DeWine.

“I’m excited to be here, but there’s big shoes to fill,” she said.

After Worley was congratulated by her family and welcomed by Harsha, Dick and Paulette Donley recognized Beery for his 36 years of service to the city as law director.

Dick Donley — who previously served as Hillsboro city councilman and safety and service director as well as working with Beery during his time as an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper — spoke first about Beery.

“Whenever I needed somebody to talk to about something, I could call Fred and he would get right back with me, so I appreciate that,” Mr. Donley said. “I appreciate all the help he gave us when I was out working the road.”

Mr. Donley presented Beery with a card and a framed certificate recognizing Beery for “faithful service for 36 years.”

“The citizens of Hillsboro and Highland County appreciate your many hours as counsel for several administrations and councils and as prosecutor in the Hillsboro Municipal Court,” Mr. Donley told Beery. “You have always supported our law enforcement departments and helped make our community a safer place. Congratulations on your retirement. It is well-deserved.”

Highland County Republican Party Executive Chair Paulette Donley then spoke, saying that she and Beery “go way back” and that she “watched him grow up,” as Beery joked that Donley “raised him from a pup.” Mrs. Donley presented Beery with a gift as well — a plaque that says “Old lawyers never die, they just lose their appeal.”

“I believe it’s an antique and could have come from the McBride estate,” she said.

Mrs. Donley added that Beery’s father “would have been so proud” to see this ceremony. Forrest Beery, who was the first Hillsboro Municipal Court judge as well as a former city councilman and mayor, served as an attorney for 67 years.

Harsha — whose father, the late Sandy Harsha, also worked with Beery during his eight years as mayor — thanked Beery as well.

“I just want to thank you for all your years of service,” he said. “I know my dad always enjoyed working with you thoroughly, and I have too. Everybody in this room, I know, loved working with you, so thank you and congratulations on retirement. I know it's an exciting time for you.”

Beery also spoke briefly as he reflected on over three and a half decades as law director.

“I just want to thank you all,” he said. “What made it enjoyable wasn't the controversies that we had. It was the people I worked with and the experiences I had. I want to thank you all very much for that and all the people who aren't here — there are literally hundreds — so thank you again.”

Following the ceremony, a reception with doughnuts and other refreshments was held in the city building.

source: https://highlandcountypress.com/Content/In-The-News/In-The-News/Article/Worley-sworn-in-as-Hillsboro-law-director-outgoing-law-director-Beery-recognized/2/20/77211

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