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Tuesday was busy for Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed and the rest of the Winchester City Commission.

Not only did they meet from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to hear from local officials and host budget work sessions, but they recognized a group of individuals who helped captivate the city for a few weeks in March.

At the 5:30 p.m. City Commissioners meeting, the 2022-23 George Rogers Clark Lady Cards basketball team was recognized for its season.

According to the Certificate of Achievement, the team was commended “in recognition of the tremendous work, pressure, challenges and overall commitment that resulted in being undefeated in the 2023 40th District Championship and 10th Region play.”

After defeating Montgomery County to win both the 40th District and 10th Region Championship, the Lady Cards were victorious against Mercer County and North Laurel in the 2023 KHSAA Sweet 16 tournament.

In a contest that came down to the final minutes, the Lady Cards fell just short against three-time defending state champion Sacred Heart, 57-53, in a Final Four matchup.

Sacred Heart, who finished nationally ranked and undefeated in Kentucky, had its closest postseason matchup against GRC.

“We just want you to know that the city of Winchester, all commissioners, [and] the City Manager are proud of your accomplishments,” said Reed. “You’ve got a fantastic coach, and you are fantastic kids…we’re glad to have you all as a part of this community.”

GRC Head Coach Robbie Graham agreed.

“They’re really great people first and foremost. They’re tremendous students,” he said.

City Clerks Honored

The Lady Cards were not the only individuals recognized Tuesday night.

With April 30 through May 6 serving as the 54th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, City Clerk Joy Curtis and Administrative Assistant and Deputy City Clerk Diana Layne were recognized.

As read in a proclamation, Mayor Reed stated that the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides professional links between the citizens, local governing bodies, and government agencies at other levels.

“We could not do without them. They are our right arm and our left arm,” Reed said. “They’re valuable to us each and every day. They really do seriously keep us straight, and they are appreciated.”

Budget Work Session

The budget work schedule, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. with breaks for lunch and other needs in between, featured many organizations requesting money to support financial needs or events and projects around town.

For example, Nancy Turner, the Director of Clark County-Winchester Tourism, had this year’s Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival in mind and requested $5,000.

“You have graciously supported this for several years, and we would be most appreciative if you would continue that in the upcoming fiscal year,” she said.

Several questions were asked from magistrates – including whether sponsorships had been obtained – while others emphasized its value to the community.

Like other organizations and events seeking assistance, any final financial decision will await until the next budget work session.

Along with the DBPF, organizations appearing before the city commissioners included the Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority, Kentucky River Foothills, the Winchester Historic Preservation and Tree Board and more.