Lincoln County commissioners this week acknowledged the retirement letter from longtime County Court Clerk Cindy Kirby who is retiring effective Oct. 31 this year.
Kirby, in briefly addressing the commissioners, told them, “After 21 years, it’s time. One of the commissioners told her, “Twenty-one years is a long time to be elected.”
It will be up to the three commissioners to appoint a successor to Kirby who would then serve until the next election with that filing period being in April of 2026. Kirby recommended to commissioners they appoint her first deputy, Kristie Hammock, to fill her position.
District 3 Commissioner Lee Doolen, who is chairman of the commission, indicated the appointment would be on a future agenda.
Kirby later said that Hammock has been on her staff for 13 years.
Kirby said later in talking after the meeting, “I’ve never had an opponent since 2004 when I won that election. “I’ve really enjoyed my job, really like working with people and that’s what I am going to continue to do in my new job,” she related.
Beginning on Nov. 3, she will start working through Oklahoma State University and she will be training court clerks and deputy court clerks, she explained.
“It’s a certified program through OSU. God opened a door and I felt like I needed to pursue it,” she added.
Commissioners also approved Leslie Wilbourn with Five Tool Management to research, prepare and apply for the Bett Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for the Prague Municipal Airport road project.
They also approved going out for bids for a Health Department remodel and replacement of AC units.
Commissioners approved a janitorial agreement with Lincoln County Health Department and City Wide Facility Solutions.
In other business, commissioners: Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Gateway to Prevention and Recovery.
Approved the Fair Board to match funds up to 10 percent for the Route 66 Revitalization grant .
Approved electrical hookups for the Fair Board for Route 66 signage.
Allowed the Fair Board to let them use their funds for a Change Order on Lincoln County Fairgrounds insulation.
Approved Apprentice proposal to replace Jail and Courthouse security camera system.
Took no action on a BIA bridge project extension.
Approved tinhorn purchases in District 2.
Adopted a resolution accepting ACCO Insurance proceeds for District 2.
Took no action tregarding ruck access on Lake Road north of Chandler.
Adopted a resolution on a donation for District 3.
Approved an environmental document for District 3.
Approved a resolution and funding agreement for a bridge over Ranch Creek in District 1.
Approved a support letter for Central Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s application to the Rural Tribal Assistance Grant Program.
Accepted the Attorney General’s Opioid Grant Award.
Adopted a resolution to set up an account for the Opioid Abatement Grant.