I was both sad and happy to learn two weeks ago that Whitley County Clerk Carolyn Willis has decided not to seek re-election and will retire at the end of her term in office next year.
I am sad in the sense that I will miss my friend. I usually see Carolyn once or twice a week when I go to the county clerk’s office to type in deeds and marriage licenses for our public records page.
Carolyn and I will often get into discussions about the latest happenings in the county, politics and life while I am down there. We are both fond of travelling and will get into discussions about recent or planned trips, such as going on cruises, which we both enjoy.
Carolyn is a hard worker, and it is not uncommon for her to be the one waiting on you when you go in the county clerk’s office to pay your car taxes or take care of other business.
On the flip side though, I am happy for Carolyn getting to retire after working the better part of the last 32 years in the clerk’s office. She has served as county clerk since she was appointed on Dec. 2, 2019, to replace Kay Schwartz, who retired.
I know Carolyn is looking forward to spending more time with the grandbabies, and I am happy for her being able to do that.
First-District Magistrate Scotty Harrison has already filed to run for Whitley County Clerk during next year’s election. I will be curious to see whether he draws any opposition.
Whoever the next Whitley County Clerk is will have some big shoes to fill. I wish Scotty, or whoever else it is, luck. They will probably need it.
After having taken time to write about someone, who is retiring, now I am going to spend a few minutes talking about someone on the almost complete opposite end of the life spectrum.
During the Nov. 17 Corbin City Commission meeting, the commission heard a presentation from a special presenter.
Eighth grader Ellen Sell gave an address to the commission about toughening up the city’s animal neglect ordinance.
Sell spoke about her experience trying to help a neighbor dog named Callie, who was neglected last year and suffered for months before her rescue. Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus helped find Callie a new home.
Sell asked the commission to adopt an animal ordinance more in line with Lexington’s ordinance, which allows for fines up to $500 and possible imprisonment of up to 12 months in jail for violations.
While the commission likely won’t go that far, members seemed agreeable to tightening up the city’s animal neglect ordinance. Corbin City Attorney Bob Hammons, who has dogs himself, said he was willing to tighten up the ordinance as much as the commission wishes to do so.
Sell is right that animals should not suffer due to the neglect of their owners.
She did a great job making her presentation to the commission and did a better job than many adults I have seen address government bodies over the years.
I admire her for seeing a problem in the community, having the courage to stand before a government agency, making a presentation clearly outlining the problem, and recommending a solution that is achievable.
I look forward to seeing what Sell accomplishes later in life. We could use a few more people like her in our society.
