By JANIE SLAVEN
News Editor
WHITLEY CITY —
The McCreary County Tourist Commission has lost a second leader in as many months.
Hap Strunk, who was serving as interim chair following the resignation of Gabriel Jones in July, confirmed last week that he notified Tourism and Community Events Coordinator Ginger McCartt of his resignation on August 10.
“There are other ways I’d rather spend my time,” Strunk told The Record last week. “I think the board would be better served by someone who has more tourism experience.”
Though Strunk operates an entertainment establishment known as The Uptown Opry, his primary business is the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home. He had previously been active with civic organizations such as the Lions Club, where he served two terms as president. A new grandfather, Strunk added that he wants to devote more time to his family and health.
Strunk’s resignation leaves a gap which may or may not have already been filled.
Before his resignation, Strunk had called a meeting called a special meeting for August 12 to discuss personnel issues in executive session.
Following his resignation, Strunk did not attend the meeting but Tourism and Community Events Coordinator Ginger McCartt confirmed yesterday that the meeting occurred as scheduled with members Mark Sewell, Wanda Worley, Barb Edwards, Dave Nutter and Pam Gibson. The remaining member, Sam Perry, apparently did not attend.
McCartt told The Record that Gibson was elected chair. The election has been a cause for concern to McCreary County Judge-Executive Blaine Phillips, as Kentucky law prohibits public boards from taking action in closed session.
Though not confirmed for other local media outlets, The Record was not notified of the scheduled meeting prior to it taking place.
Gibson said that she simply agreed to chair the board in the interim until an official election could take place. She explained that other issues were also discussed, including financial business, the board’s mission and potential candidates for the open board seat.
“The meeting was improper at best but the board members may have not understood the correct procedure,” Judge Phillips said, adding that he would advise that any action taken be rescinded and opened up for discussion during the next meeting.
Regular meetings are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each month and are held at the visitor’s center on Geary Street. The next tourist commission meeting would be August 31 at 4:30 p.m.
