RIPLEY – Ripley now has a new police chief, following action by the mayor and board of aldermen at their July meeting Tuesday night.

Ripley Assistant Police Chief Scott White was appointed as chief, replacing former Chief Mo Graddy. In other personnel action, two city employees were not rehired and two others were put on probation for 90 days.

Tuesday’s meeting was the first official one for new Mayor Kerry W. Hill and three of the five aldermen: Joey Bryant of Ward 1, Homer Richardson of Ward 2, and Lonnie Smith of Ward 3. Wade Crawford of Ward 4 and At – Large Alderman Bonnie Caviness are incumbents. The mayor and board held a work session Monday night, but took no official action during it.

The board went into executive session Tuesday night to discuss personnel matters. Following the mayor’s recommendation, aldermen voted 5-0 to appoint White. Graddy had defeated White in a special election April 10, 2007 to fill the remainder of former Chief Bert Conely’s term. That term expired Monday, July 6.

Said Mayor Hill Wednesday morning: "We’re seeking a good, friendly reputation for the city. We want to make it the best it can be. That means aggressive, but compassionate, law enforcement." Four of five messages left for aldermen Wednesday seeking further information were not returned. Thursday morning, Alderman-At-Large Caviness said of Tuesday night’s deliberations: "I supported Mo in the beginning, and I supported him for as long as I could. I changed my vote when I saw where things were going, because the new chief needs the full support and backing of the administration. I think everyone voted for what they thought was best for the city, and I think Scott White will make a great chief." Former Chief Graddy declined comment Thursday morning.

City employees not rehired included City Gas Clerk Freida Childers, and Gas Department Assistant Superintendent Herman Fryar. No replacements had been chosen for either one as of Wednesday, city officials said.

Those placed on 90-days probation included Ripley Narcotics Officer Ken Walker and Ripley Animal Control Officer Lynwood Cook.

All other city employees were rehired.

In other personnel action, aldermen voted to re-appoint City Zoning Board members Rayburn Jennings, Chris Marsalis, Jerry McLemore, Regina Rogers and Harry Ward.

Aldermen voted to re-appoint Bonnie Caviness as the city’s representative to the Landfill Authority.

The board also voted to make Caviness mayor pro tem, and voted to appoint Crawford as the city’s representative on the Main Street board.