The committee searching for a new warden at the McKean County
Jail has drafted a preliminary job description and is in the
process of reviewing it.

On Thursday, McKean County Commissioner Clifford Lane, who is
also a member of the three-member search committee, said the group
wants to advertise for the position within a month or so.

“Once we do that, we’ll see where the chips fall,” Lane
said.

The need for the search came about following the resignation of
Dennis Luther as warden at the Smethport facility earlier this
month. Luther told the prison board he will remain in the job until
a suitable replacement is found.

Luther had submitted a memo with four options, including one
under which he would remain warden, but work a four-day week. He
also pointed out that he had initially taken the job with the idea
that it was temporary.

In addition to Lane, also on the search committee are Luther and
Human Services Director Michele Alfieri.

Officials have not given a salary for the position, and the
search committee will apparently recommend a salary range for
approval to the prison board.

Luther said he has no intention of retiring, but would pursue
other interests in consulting and perhaps teaching.