WHITMIRE — The Town of Whitmire has finally hired a Commission of Public Works employee.

Cory Deshields is the newest full-time worker to join the CPW plant after the town reviewed applicants and found him to be the most qualified.

He was already a temporary worker and the town decided to hire him permanently.

However, while the CPW has gained an employee, the Whitmire Police Department is losing an officer due to the fact that he’s leaving for the Clinton Public Safety Department.

For now though, the police department will utilize their current officers and aid from the county’s sheriff’s department, according to Carla Taylor, town clerk.

Whitmire has three full-time officers and one part-time officer.

It was reported that that have been some car break-ins and the police department will issue some warnings to residents be careful with their vehicles and belongings in vehicles.

In other CPW news, Jimmy Dunaway asked about having uniforms for the street workers but the issue will wait until the next meeting because of contract questions, according to Taylor.

In news related to the Whitmire Jaycees, they will hold their first stump meeting next Tuesday at the community center.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. and 48 candidates from Newberry, Laurens and Union counties have all been invited.

Council, mayor, county and other elected officials have all been invited to answer questions from the Jaycees as well as from the residents.

“The purpose is to provide a service to the community to keep them informed and to make better decisions about voting,” said council woman Cassie Fowler.

Candidates will have three minutes to answer questions from the Jaycees and then there will be a question and answer session with the residents.

In school news, council woman Chrystal Harsha announced that Whitmire Community will have their veterans assembly Nov. 12.

Also, the adult education will offer a couple of classes on Tuesday and Thursday for people to get their GED. Interested people should call the adult education center at 321-2112.