WinCity Voices

In this reflective essay, Erin Skinner Smith turns to the Egyptian god Anubis to ask what the dead can teach the living. Drawing on myth, betrayal, grief, and the weighing of the heart, she explores how a meaningful life is measured. Not by status, perfection, or performance, but by sincerity, attention, and small acts of care. Anubis appears not only as a guardian of graves, but as a witness to mortality’s deeper lesson: notice the morning, offer kindness, return to awe, and live fully while you can. The scales settle by how honestly we have loved.

Republican candidates for Clark County Fiscal Court discussed development, county finances, emergency services, and public civility during a May 13 town hall forum at The Venue at Whiskey & Wiles. With several no-shows thinning the field, attendees heard from Mike Flynn in the 5th District, Ben Moberly in the 3rd District, and 2nd District candidates Kelly Nisbet and Bryan Howard. Candidates addressed growth on Winchester’s east and west sides, cooperation between city and county government, transparency in county finances, and whether emergency medical services should be privatized. The discussion repeatedly returned to public trust, respectful leadership, accountability, and long-term planning.

Jada Brady defended her record as Clark County property valuation administrator during a GOP candidates forum, saying Kentucky law requires property to be assessed at fair cash value. Brady pushed back on campaign claims that assessments can simply be lowered across the board, arguing such changes require justification and are closely regulated by the state. She also highlighted efforts to make the office more transparent and accessible through public outreach and modernization. Brady is seeking the Republican nomination and said falling property values would be harmful for Clark County. The winner will face Democrat Jason “Apple” Neely in November’s general election.

Renee Wallace reflects on her lifelong faith journey and how it ultimately led her to embrace and affirm the LGBTQ community. Raised in churches that condemned queer people, she began questioning those teachings and turned to study, prayer, and—most importantly—real relationships. Encounters with gay colleagues, transgender children, and a former student whose family rejected him opened her heart to deeper truth. As book bans and rising harm toward queer youth intensified, she felt compelled to stand firmly for love. Now a leader at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, she invites others to discover a faith rooted in welcome, compassion, and God’s expansive love.

Three Republican candidates for Clark County judge-executive offered contrasting views on leadership during a May 13 debate in Winchester. Magistrate Steve Craycraft said county government experience is essential. City Commissioner Shannon Cox stressed planning, budgeting, and listening. Businessman Justin Charles emphasized trust, transparency, accountability, and communication with residents. The candidates also discussed infrastructure priorities, county finances, and the compost site for dead animals. Eric Vetter did not attend. The winner of the May 19 Republican primary will face Democratic candidate Vaché King in the Nov. 3 general election, setting up the next stage in Clark County’s county judge-executive race.