Judges Report: New Finance Officer and A Happy Ending Thanks to First Responders and Community

The Fiscal Court last met on Thursday September 12, 2024. At that meeting we hired a new finance officer on a probationary period to fill the position left open due to the passing of our previous finance officer, Amanda Holt. Amanda was a faithful employee and had a wealth of knowledge when it came to County finances and operations. We still miss her terribly, but have to continue operations. At that meeting, we hired Kaleb Spence for the position. Kaleb is a citizen of Jackson County, a volunteer fireman, former dispatcher, and JCHS graduate. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of the Cumberlands in 2023. He is currently on track to graduate with a Master in Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University in July of 2025. He is the proud son of Beverly (Sammy) Creech of New Zion and Robert (Mariola) Spence of Waco. He is a faithful servant of this community, along with his wife, Pauliana Spence. He is grateful to be a part of the Fiscal Court and plans to assist us to his best abilities. We are excited to have Kaleb with us and appreciate the enthusiasm he brings to the office. 
On Saturday September 28th, we had a situation that nobody wanted to see. The high winds and after effects of Hurricane Helene had kept road crews, volunteer firemen, utility workers as well as volunteers busy. The destruction from that storm has left many parts of the Eastern US crippled. With all that going on we had a different kind of emergency. The call came in late Saturday evening that a 3-year-old child had gone missing in the Clover Bottom area. Our EM Department, Sheriff's Department and Volunteer Fire Departments sprung into immediate action forming a search and rescue operation. We also had many citizens show up to help in search efforts. Daylight was fading fast and we needed to find this child as soon as possible. Around 9:30 Saturday evening we heard the radio traffic we had been waiting on. The child had been found and was uninjured. What a blessing! I was standing there when they arrived with her to the command site and it was a celebration. This situation could have ended very differently but thanks to everyone involved the child is safe and sound. I cannot brag enough on our community and first responders. They went above and beyond to save this child. The next time you see a volunteer fireman out, thank them because that's exactly what they are, volunteers. They put their own well-being and desires aside many times to serve our community. We have some of the best first responders, law enforcement and citizens in Eastern KY. Thank you for what you do. 
Have a blessed week.