Last night, the Lawrence County Republican Central Committee appointed Sharon Gossett Hager to fill the unexpired term of county recorder.

The office became vacant when long-time recorder Sue Deeds retired at the end of 2003. Deeds served 16 years as recorder. Since the beginning of the year, Kim Estep, who served as deputy recorder under Deeds, was acting recorder.

Hager was to be sworn into office at 10 a.m. today at the Lawrence County Courthouse.

Hager will hold the office through 2004, but has a chance to serve longer. She will face Harriet J. Scragg in the primary election in March, with the winner going on to the general election in November.

Only one Democrat, David Classing, has filed for the office.