HONESDALE, PA — Wayne County’s two veteran jury commissioners were honored upon their upcoming retirement.

Judy Romich and Pat Biondo were lauded for their length and quality of service at the December 7 county commissioners’ meeting. Romich leaves after 24 years, while Biondo served for 17 years.

Commissioner Wendell Kay said he has known the women both as a commissioner and as an attorney in court, and over all that time, “I’ve never heard of a complaint, problem or a hint of controversy about their work… They’re a force of nature.”

Commissioner Brian Smith cited their commitment to the job and called the women “role models for anyone.”

Making a rare appearance at the commissioners’ meeting, President Judge Raymond Hamill embraced the outgoing jury commissioners. He was practical in his praise, citing the women’s long history of overcoming public apathy about jury service. “You can’t believe all the reasons they have for not showing up.” The women’s efficiency has been vital he said, because, “We couldn’t have trials without competency and fairness in jury selection.”  

Certificates of appreciation read, “We wish to thank you for your dedicated service, your constant care for the residents of Wayne County and the level of professionalism which has occurred in your office. The high standards you set in both your personal and professional life have stood the test of time and serve as a good example for all of us.”

In other business, the commissioners approved a certificate of recognition for Ellen Memorial Healthcare Center resident Mabel Thomas, who celebrated her 100th birthday on December 12. Commissioner Joeseph Adams said he recently met Thomas and admitted that she had “more hair and less gray than I do.”

They formally rejected the single bid received earlier for the “local share” grant for the Dreher Township Food Pantry. The project will be re-advertised in the new year.

They received a single $84,000 bid for planned court renovations on the fourth floor of the courthouse addition, which they tabled for review.

They also received notification of state approvals for new terms for Wayne Conservation District board of directors members Karl Eisenhauer, Paul Kowalczyk and Brian Smith.