News : Bauer Recognized for 35 years as the Harrison Township Clerk

Sharon Bauer accepting a plaque thanking her for her service

ownship Clerk in rural Benton County. She came to the position originally at the request of one of the trustees, George Geater. She agreed to finish the term of Thelma Horak and then was elected to serve until this past election.

35 years later, she reflected on her time as the township clerk. Her responsibilities included budgeting the monies that came into the township, for caring for the Bear Creek Church property, managing cemetery funds, and expenses for the township owned properties.

Bauer said, "It has been awesome to meet all of the people in the community and to learn so much about the politics of the job." She said after she was elected, she was told, "the only way out of the job was to die or find her own replacement," she said with a chuckle.

She explained that in the early days of her position as clerk, there were training meetings about what her responsibilities were as clerk but when those were discontinued she said she relied heavily on the Auditor's Office to guide her. She said, "The people that work in the Auditor's Office are so awesome and enjoyable to work with and they are so helpful!"

Kelly Geater was elected to take over after Bauer decided to step down. Bauer said that she knows the township is in good hands and that Geater is a great fit for the job.

Congratulations and thanks for serving Sharon!