CASSOPOLIS — Two new faces are coming to Cass County.

Cass County recently announced the hiring of two new employees. Joining the maintenance department are Dave Layman and Brent Robinson.

Dave Layman, originally a Berrien County resident that relocated to Cass County in 2010, said he is excited to begin his duties as a full-time maintenance worker with the county. 

Saying that he “likes to work,” he told county officials he only left his prior job of 20 years because the company outsourced his department.  Besides devoting time with his six grandchildren, Layman spends his spare time restoring his vintage Audi car and his 1963 BMW motorcycle that he hopes to have done in time for the car show at the Gilmore Museum at Hickory Corners.  When not restoring vehicles or fishing with his grandson, Layman and his wife enjoy long motorcycle trips to Colorado, Wyoming and beyond.

Brent Robinson has been hired as a temporary maintenance worker.  Coming from previous supervisory positions, Robinson is looking forward to doing what he loves to do, which is various odd jobs, he said.

Well-versed in the plight of those making a living in the agricultural industry, Robinson was pleased to say that he “is just a hobby farmer now,” raising Haflinger and Morgan horses, sheep and llamas as guard animals to the sheep.  He and his wife, Julie, enjoy showing the Haflingers at several county fairs, and have been able to give three local 4-H youth the same experience.  He has four children and eight grandchildren.

“They both bring a special skill set to the department,” said Dave Dickey, Cass County maintenance supervisor, of the new hires. “I’m glad to have them both.”