Assessor plans retirement

It’s never easy saying goodbye; and for Sweetwater County Assessor Pat Drinkle, she’ll say goodbye to her staff Feb. 3.

Drinkle announced her intent to retire Tuesday morning, submitting a letter to the Sweetwater County Commissioners and in a press release to area media outlets.

“We’re just going to enjoy life,” Drinkle said about her future plans. “You never know what will happen ... I don’t want to just not take advantage of spending time with my family.”

Drinkle has served as county assessor for nearly six years. She was initially appointed to fill the unexpired term for...