Victoria Addison is reporting in the Register-Star Columbia County Department of Social Services Commissioner Kary Jablonka announced his retirement Thu., Feb. 9. His retirement is effective immediately. The announcement was made in a written statement released by the county Board of Supervisors. Jablonka was arrested Dec. 28 and charged with driving while intoxicated after the car he was driving went into a ditch. Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell does not know if Jablonka’s retirement is a result of the incident. "I don’t know about that. I know he [Jablonka] was ready to retire. He had a long career and I think he decided it was a good time to retire," Murell said. Murell said Jablonka made the decision on his own. Jablonka, 70, of Chatham, was appointed in 2014 and after first serving as deputy commissioner and acting commissioner. Before taking the helm at DSS, Jablonka served as the administrator for the Columbia County Office for the Aging. Robert Gibson, who serves as counsel to the commissioner, will serve as acting commissioner until the position is filled. A search to fill the position will begin immediately. "Commissioner Jablonka’s leadership and passion will be greatly missed by all he came in contact with. Columbia County wishes him well in his retirement," Murell said. Read the full story in the Register-Star.