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On Tuesday, Dec. 17, following a short hiatus, the Winchester City Commission met for the final time in 2024. 

It was a finality of other sorts as well. 

City Commissioner Kenny Book attended his last meeting in the role. 

“I would like to thank all the employees and citizens for…supporting me,” Book said. 

A lifelong Winchester resident, Book served 28 non-consecutive years as a Winchester City Commissioner. 

In a close vote, he was re-elected to the position in 2022. 

Over the years, he has been an active voice and consequential vote on many issues. 

In the fall of 2023, during a discussion of whether to amend a previously established ordinance in the Winchester Code of Ordinance–which would in turn allow for package alcohol sales from 1 to 8 p.m. on Sundays–Book was a key swing vote in allowing the amendment to occur, arguing that, although he didn’t personally drink, it would allow for more payroll taxes and avoid having to raise taxes. 

Long-time Commissioner Shannon Cox, who stood and applauded Book, spoke on his behalf. 

“It’s been…a pleasure to serve with Commissioner Book and I value his service here, and also his friendship,” he said. “Thank you, Commissioner. We’re going to miss you.” 

Mayor JoEllen Reed, among others, also took time to acknowledge the outgoing Commissioner. 

“He has served this community well,” said Reed, a former City Commissioner herself. “We thank you for all the contributions, and stay in touch with us.” 

In other news, members of the George Rogers Clark High School boys’ JROTC squad were recognized.

Each received a certificate of achievement signed by Mayor Reed, “[i]n recognition of the hard work and overall commitment to the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps of George Rogers Clark High School, resulting in the honor of 2024 All Service Raider National Champions, First Place 5K Mountain Race, First Place Physical Team Test, Second Place, Cross Country Rescue, and Third Place On Rope Bridge in the U.S. Army National Raider Challenge Competition for GRCHS.”

Members of the squad included Captain Stuart Joynt, Zachary Andreaseon, Daniel Barr, Dean Cherry, Joshua Collins, Louis Hall, Gunner Hanson, Avery Hess, Thomas Lovings, Peter Salvadori, James Scarborough, Sean Stamper, Ryan Turley, and Daniel Woods. 

Yet another GRC student – senior Caroline Harper – was also recognized. 

Harper, the Clark County Distinguished Young Woman who will represent the area in the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman statewide competition, was granted the City of Winchester Service Award. 

“The Winchester Board of Commissioners takes pleasure in commending Caroline Harper,” stated the award. “This Service to the City Award is given to those citizens who distinguish themselves through outstanding achievement, selfless sacrifice and humble service in their representation of the citizens of Winchester. We gratefully commend Caroline Harper for her relentless effort, dedication, and passion in achieving the designation of 2025 Distinguished Young Woman.”