Local Briefs

Burress attends circuit clerks' conference

Rodney Burress, circuit court clerk for Taylor County, participated in the 2007 Circuit Clerks Fall College in Lexington from Oct. 24-26. The Administrative Office of the Courts hosted the college, which offered sessions on how to efficiently handle District Court criminal procedures and how to better supervise personnel.

"This conference focused on an interesting mix of issues that affect how circuit clerks carry out their daily operations," said Nelson County Circuit Clerk Diane Thompson, who is president of the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks. "Circuit clerks must be prepared to adapt to new technology and new legislation while overseeing case management and maintaining staff morale."

The college also offered sessions on the Judicial Branch budget request for the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly, the new centralized jury management service being offered by the Administrative Office of the Courts, and new technology and legislative issues that may affect the Office of Circuit Court Clerk.

The AOC hosted a banquet during the conference to honor the circuit clerks and deputy clerks who were instrumental in implementing changes to Kentucky's new unified court system, which was formed as a result of the 1976 Judicial Article. Beginning in 1978, the Office of Circuit Court Clerk played a key role in the business operation of the new state court system.