WHEELING – The end of the elections season necessitated hirings by the Ohio County Commission, including that of a new animal shelter manager.

Commissioners this week approved the hiring of Lori Russell as the new manager of the Ohio County Animal Shelter.

The shelter had been without a manager since Nelson Croft resigned to return to the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office as chief deputy on May 31 just after the May 14 primary election. The Republican Croft was elected sheriff in the Nov. 5 general election.

“She has experience at a veteranarian clinic, and seemed like a good choice,” said Commission President Don Nickerson.

Russell is the sister of Ohio County Administrator Randy Russell.

Lori Russell already has started at the shelter and was said to be working there on Wednesday. She referred all requests for comment to Ohio County Project Coordinator Melissa Marco, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Other hirings also took place this week.

Shayne F. Wilson will move into the county lead assistant prosecutor’s role being vacated by Shawn Turak, who ran unopposed for county prosecutor in the Nov. 5 election. Courtney Dobbs is also a new hire for the prosecutor’s office.