In sports, ânext man upâ is the motto of many teams at various levels when typical starting players are injured or canât perform for whatever reason.
In Greenup and Lewis counties, when longtime Circuit Judge Bob Conley initially announced he was running for State Supreme Court Justice, ânext man upââbecame a real possibility. That possibility turned to reality when the people elected Conley in November.
Brian McCloud and Paul Craft, who fittingly like to use sports analogies frequently to describe life situations, were ultimately the next men up.
McCloud was, as it turned out, in the metaphorical on-deck circle preparing to step up to the plate in the 20th Judicial Circuit, Division 1. In reality, though, District Court isnât an on-deck circle â youâre very much in the game, which is now where Craft will sit donning a robe.
FRANKFORT
The Judicial Nominating Commission, led by Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr., announced nominees to fill the District Court vacancy in Greenup and Lewis counties. The counties make up the 20th Judicial District.
The three nominees for the judgeship are attorneys Paul E. Craft, of Russell, Rhese D. McKenzie, of Flatwoods, and Matthew J. Warnock, of Ashland.
Craft is a managing partner with the firm of McGinnis Leslie and serves as the city attorney for Worthington and South Shore. He received his juris doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
McKenzie serves as a public advocate with the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy. He received his juris doctor from the Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law.
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Biden’s USDA Secretary Approves Hemp Rules
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) secretary, Tom Vilsack, has approved a federal rule outlining the hemp industry regulations.
After more than two years following the federal legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, the rule released in January is poised to take effect on March 22.
“As part of the transition to the new Administration, the final rule was under additional review by the Department,” USDA head Bill Richmond said.
Richmond oversees the USDA’s Domestic Hemp Production Program.
“The rule has now been cleared by Secretary Vilsack to move forward as published in the Federal Register,” Richmond added.