Udzinski appointed interim warden

GAINESVILLE - Hall County Commissioners Thursday named an interim warden to take the place of Avery Niles as he assumes the post of interim commissioner of the state's Department of Juvenile Justice.

Deputy Warden Dennis Udzinski will assume the warden's duties upon Niles' departure at the end of the month, according to county spokeswoman Katie Crumley.

Hall County Administrator Randy Knighton said they've begun the process to find a permanent replacement for Niles.

"We want to ensure Hall County citizens that we will be very prudent in selecting the best candidate for the position," he said.

Udzinski has been employed with Hall County since March 2001.