New County Clerk Sworn In

By Debby Stricker

Shari Hempen was sworn in as the new Washington County Clerk and Recorder by Judge Dan Emge January 2.

The County Board named Hempen, the former Chief Deputy,  to fill the unexpired term of County Clerk and Nancy Heseman at her retirement January 1. 

Hempen has worked in the office for 23 years. She started as the Deputy Clerk, was then promoted to Chief Deputy Recorder, and then to Chief Deputy. 

Hempen said that the office will continue to strive for excellent customer service, which was the standard for predecessor Heseman.

She said that she has always liked working in the County Clerk’s office. “Everyone  in the office works so well together,” she said. “We all try to be helpful and friendly to the county residents.”

Hempen plans to hire a full-time employee for the vacancy that was created by her assuming the Clerks position. The union position will first be open to others in the office, and then to other county employees. If it is not filled by a current county employee, the position will be advertised to the general public. 

 Hempen plans to seek the Republican nomination for the office in the June 2022 primary election. 

Hempen (nee Handy) is a 1981 graduate of Okawville High. She and her  husband  Mike reside in Nashville. She has three grown children: Brent Schorfheide and wife Jenee of Hoyleton, Ryan Schorfheide of Hoyleton and Brittany and husband Chris Goforth of New Minden.