Lyndsey Kopsa, Hennessey Public Library’s circulation librarian, was appointed as interim library director at the Thursday, May 14, meeting of the Hennessey Board of Trustees.

She was appointed after an executive session to discuss employment issues and replaces Ruth Ann Replogle who was fired by the board in a special meeting Monday, May 11.

Kopsa, who was at the meeting, has a master’s degree in library science and was first hired by the board in January 2019 at $9 an hour and in April was raised to $13 an hour.

She is from Concordia, Kan., and is a graduate of Emporia State University, and is currently a caregiver for her grandparents.

She has mentored children through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Also on staff in the library is Jennie Moreno, children’s librarian.

After being closed due to the pandemic, the library is now open its regular hours and continues to offer curb service for those who call in advance.

Library board members reappointed

Ann Taylor and Karen Vogt were reappointed to three-year terms on the Hennessey Public Library Board of Directors.

The mayor said both had been tremendous assets to the community, library and their services are appreciated.

Vogt is a certified librarian and retired a few years ago from the Hennessey library.

Eight lifeguards hired

Hired at $8 an hour as lifeguards were Emily Root, Jake Schovanec, Stephanie Patocka, Dalton Vinson, Michelle Roman, Wade Vinson, Juliana Macy and Angel Rodriquez.

Hired at the May 11 meeting were Jessica (Jessi) Schovanec, manager, and Jesse Heiland, assistant manager.

Jones employment

The board took no action on “the employment status of Michael Jones.”

He was hired as a temporary officer in May 2019, then as full-time officer and sergeant in November 2019, promoted as lieutenant in June 2019, then in January 2020 was reassigned to the public works department for 90 days “with the possibility of extending that reassignment after an evaluation.”