Patterson recognized as master coroner
Henderson County Coroner Shelia Patterson has been recognized by the Kentucky State Coroner’s Association as a master coroner.
Patterson is the first from the local coroner’s office to be recognized with the designation, she said.
To get the designation, a coroner must have at least 12 years’ experience and have completed 300 post-mortem examinations. Patterson has 17 years and has completed 420 examinations, according to Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider.
One lane of Wathen Lane will reopen Monday
The city of Henderson says one lane of Wathen Lane will open Monday.
According to a city release, temporary traffic signals will be installed at both ends of the construction zone—one just south of the Braxton Park entrance, and the other just north of the Wolf Hills Boulevard entrance
These signals will operate similarly to those in use on US 60 at the I-69 construction site, allowing only one direction of traffic at a time. Drivers will be guided by the signals to proceed safely when it is their turn. The traffic signals will operate daily between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., allowing controlled, one-lane travel for residents during those hours, according to the release.
The city said public safety officers will be present at the site during peak traffic times—7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays—to assist with traffic control and monitor driving behavior.
Only residents of Wathen Lane and adjacent neighborhoods will be permitted to use the road at any time, said the city.
Additionally, use of Wathen Lane as a cut-through to Highway 41 or other destinations accessible by alternative routes is strictly prohibited, and public safety officers will be actively enforcing this restriction to ensure the safety and access of residents, according to the city.
911 Service Fees to increase from $3.25 to $5
The city of Henderson’s 911 Service Fee is set to increase from $3.25 to $5 starting July 1.
The Henderson City Commission will need to approve the increase at Tuesday’s special called meeting to finalize it. The commission unanimously approved the fee increase at last week’s meeting.
The increase is needed, according to Holli Blanford, the city’s public relations director, to help pay for maintenance of technology, including radios and CAD system.
Additionally, the city wants to reach more residents who rely on 911 services, Blanford said. In the past the 911 fee was attached to bills only for residents who received Henderson Water Utility bills, according to a city document in the commission meeting agenda packet. 911 Service Fees starting July 1 will be on bills for residents who receive bills for gas, electric, water or sewer service, according to the document.
The increase will also allow the city to decrease funding it pays out of the general fund to pay for the 911 Dispatch’s operations, Blanford said.
Lacer is recognized with Pathfinder Award and Distinguished Service Award
Henderson Community College recently recognized Amanda Lacer, assistant principal of the Career and Technical Education Unit at Henderson County High School, with two of its highest honors: the 2025 Pathfinder Award and the HCC Board of Directors’ Distinguished Service Award, according to a release from the college.
The Pathfinder Award, established by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, is presented annually to one teacher or counselor in each of the state’s 16 college service areas who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to helping students identify career pathways and navigate postsecondary education.
Lacer was honored during the HCHS CTE Banquet on May 1 with a commemorative award and prize package. Each local recipient will be considered for the statewide Pathfinder of the Year award.
“From developing apprenticeship programs to streamlining dual credit opportunities, she has continually broken down barriers between industry, HCHS and HCC,” said Dr. Chad Phillips, HCC’s Chief Student Affairs Officer, in a prepared statement.
In addition to the Pathfinder Award, Lacer received the Board of Directors’ Distinguished Service Award during HCC’s May 9 commencement ceremony. The award recognizes an individual or organization whose leadership and service have had a profound and positive influence on the college and its mission.
“As principal of the CTE Unit, Amanda has nurtured and strengthened a vital partnership between HCHS and HCC,” said Dorsey Ridley, HCC Board Chair. “Through her leadership, CTE programs have expanded and evolved to prepare students for real-world success while enriching our community.”
Lacer is set to retire at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year, concluding a career dedicated to student achievement, community collaboration and advancing technical education in the region, said the release.
Click on the following link for more information about the Pathfinder Award.
HCS hires McLean County Public School System’s CFO to replace Cloutier
Henderson County Schools has hired David Stokes as the district’s new chief financial officer. Stokes will succeed Director of Finance Cindy Cloutier, who is retiring after a 37-year career with the district.
According to HCS, Stokes has a lot of experience and leadership in school finance. He is currently in his 20th year as CFO for the McLean County Public School System. His career also includes six years in private accounting.
In addition to his district-level leadership, Stokes is highly respected at both the state and regional levels.
He is a director and past president of the Kentucky Association of School Business Officials (KASBO) and currently serves as the president-elect of the Southeastern Association of School Business Officials. He has also served as a Kentucky Department of Education finance officer mentor, supporting multiple school districts across western Kentucky.
Stokes is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and holds the following certifications:
- Kentucky Department of Education Certified Finance Officer
- KDE Certified Mentor for Finance Officers
- School Financial Management Institute certification
- SASBO School Business Administrator (SBA) Certification
“(Stokes’) extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to school finance excellence will be a tremendous asset to our district,” said Superintendent Bob Lawson. “At the same time, we are incredibly grateful for Ms. Cloutier’s outstanding leadership throughout the years and the profound impact she has had on our district. Her dedication has ensured Henderson County Schools is financially sound and well-positioned for the future.”
“I’m honored to join Henderson County Public Schools to support the mission of providing every student with the best possible educational opportunities,” Stokes said. “I look forward to contributing my expertise to ensure our financial stewardship remains strong, transparent and aligned with the needs of our students, staff and community.”
Macy visit postponed till June 18
Due to the threat of inclement weather Friday evening at the Henderson County Public Library, the author visit with Kyle Macy that had been scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday has been rescheduled to 6-8 p.m. June 18 at the Preston Arts Center, said HCPL.
