Resignation

Dear Editor, I am writing today with a heavy heart. The news of LeeRoy Hardin resigning really disturbed me. He is an elected official who has tried to do all he could for our county. But some people in high places didn't let him do his job. I hope the next sheriff has some better support than Mr. Hardin had. Stay strong LeeRoy, and thanks for protecting us from crime. You will be missed. Jerry Potts Danville

A special meeting called this morning that detailed only "personnel" on the agenda had Danville city commissioners surprised with the outcome. Darrell Blenniss Jr., Danville's city manager of three years, tendered his resignation, effective April 1. "I'm taking a new career direction, and my professional and personal interests are elsewhere," Blenniss said. Commissioners said they would reluctantly accept the resignation. Afterward, teary Commissioners Norma Gail Louis and Janet Hamner each hugged Blenniss, expressing their surprise.

The chairman of the Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission submitted his resignation Tuesday, marking the latest departure amid public uproar over a mishandled raise for the utility's top manager. Doug Oliver, who has served as chairman since May, conveyed his plans in a letter to Mayor Ed Burtner. According to the missive, Oliver acted on a request from Burtner, who suggested the resignation was "in the best interest of WMU and the community. " "I wish to thank you and the community for allowing me to serve and wish all the best to your future endeavors with WMU," Oliver wrote to the mayor.

The West Jessamine High School Cheerleading saga took an unexpected turn Tuesday when embattled coach Deborah Kinney sent a letter of resignation to West Principal Ed Jones. A press release from the Jessamine County Board of Education released Tuesday said Jones had received the letter Tuesday morning. It read, "No specific reasons for the resignation were provided in the letter. " Kinney was hired as cheerleading coach last month and had been at odds with a group of parents since almost the beginning.

BURGIN - A Burgin City Council member has resigned in the wake of the council's decision not to pay the full amount for debris cleanup until it receives federal reimbursement. Councilman Charles Goodlett tendered his written resignation on April 21 following a special meeting in which his motion to pay Hensley Construction $28,000 was denied by the City Council. The council instead approved payment of $3,640, which is 13 percent of the total cost, with the assumption that 75 percent would come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 12 percent from the state.

LANCASTER - The director of Garrard County's primary historical tourist attraction tendered her letter of resignation Monday. Susan Ledford had been director of the Gov. William Owsley House since 2005. "I have no negative feelings toward the board, whatsoever," Ledford said when contacted about her letter. "I feel that someone else could accomplish more within the county. " Ledford was asked about the wording of her resignation letter, of which The Advocate obtained a copy, that included, "In no way did I misrepresent the meeting I had with Judge (John)

Russell Coleman, chairman of the Winchester-Clark County Planning Commission, has resigned, effective Jan. 2.Commissioner Doug Christopher informed other board members of the resignation at the regular planning meeting Tuesday night. Christopher read Coleman's resignation letter sent to new County Judge-Executive Henry Branham, in which the chairman explained he would have to resign for health-related reasons. Christopher explained after the meeting that Coleman's health problems were not life-threatening, but were related to stress.

The Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation Department will be advertising this week for a new aquatics director after the resignation of aquatics director/programmer Mandy Faulconer. At a special Monday, the board accepted the resignation of Faulconer, head lifeguard Wendy Robinson and swim instructor Cheryl Robinson, all of whom resigned last week. The board then authorized Parks Board Chairman Charlie Eury to advertise the aquatics director and head lifeguard positions.

LANCASTER - For the second time since joining the Lancaster Police Department, Russell Preston is resigning as police chief. Preston, who has been chief since July 12, 1997, surprised Mayor Billy Moss and council members with his announcement during a closed door session Monday night. "It kind of shocked me a little bit," said Moss. "It's kind of a shock I hate to see him resign as chief," said council member Jesse Wagoner, who served as a patrolman when Preston was chief from 1994 to 1996.

LANCASTER - Delmer Warren, who began serving on the city council here in January, has resigned his position. "I hate that this move came up soon," said Warren, who submitted his resignation to Mayor Billy Moss earlier this week. Warren said that he is moving to Harrodsburg. "It's a family decision," he said. Moss said that Warren's letter of resignation will be read to the council during a special meeting Monday that was planned to interview in-house applicants for the chief of police position.