The functions of the office of the circuit court clerk
Circuit Court Clerk Debbi Medley By KAREN KENNEDY Most people are familiar with the circuit court clerk’s office since this is the office one must visit to apply for or renew a driver’s license, as well as learner’s permits and identification cards. However, by far the most time-consuming and important responsibility of the circuit court clerk – an elected position – is the oversight of the activities of both district and circuit courts in Meade County. Evelyn “Debbi” Medley, now in her third term as Meade County’s circuit court clerk, oversees the total operations of the office. The first priority of the circuit court clerk is to be the keeper of all the records for both the district and circuit courts of Meade County. The circuit court clerk’s office is responsible for preparing, filing, maintaining, and disposing of all court records for all courts. Circuit court handles adoptions, divorces, civil lawsuits over $4,000, and any felony cases which have gone in front of the grand jury and are under indictment. Circuit court judges are Judge Robert Miller and Judge Bruce Butler. Judge Sam Monarch, who did not run for another term this past election, is serving as special judge. Circuit court motion days are every other Thursday, and jury trials are scheduled whenever the court calendar will allow. All circuit court judges – as well as district court judges – cover the courts of three counties – Meade, Breckinridge and Grayson. District court handles the following types of cases: mental health, juvenile, paternity, small claims, probate, domestic violence, traffic, misdemeanor, and some felony cases. There are two district court judges – Judge Tom Lively and Judge Shan Embry. District court is held every Tuesday and Wednesday, and jury trials are on Mondays and Fridays. The circuit court clerk’s office is responsible for the videotaping of all court proceedings. These videotapes are stored, and copies of proceedings are available for a fee of $15 per copy. As long as the judges are in court, either Medley or one of her deputies is in the courtroom with them, recording the proceedings. Deputies also prepare the court dockets for the judges and pull all necessary files for them. Following court, the deputies handle the proper filing of these documents. Jury trials typically begin at 9 a.m. and last from anywhere between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. the next morning, said Medley. “We recently had one last until 2 a.m.,” said Medley. Currently, eight employees work under the direction of the circuit court clerk, and all of these employees are deputies. Meade County Circuit Court deputies are Paula Wathen (chief deputy), Jennifer Hayes (bookkeeper), Peggy Medley, Joyce O’Leary, Becky Heibert, Stephanie Roby, Carolyn Richeson, and Ann Wright. The budget and funding for the circuit court clerk’s office comes from the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) in Frankfort. All office equipment, supplies, and salaries are paid for by that office. The AOC pays rent to the county for office space for the circuit court clerk and Judge Robert Miller as well as rent for the use of the courtroom. The Meade County Circuit Court clerk’s office is open during regular courthouse hours, which are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The office is closed on Saturday.
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