Hotchkiss celebrates town clerk Marlene Searle and attorney Jim Briscoe

Kathy Browning

Published on Thursday, 17 May 2012 13:21

Photo by Kathy Browning

Judy Briscoe joined her husband Jim Briscoe on the love seat lounge when the Town of Hotchkiss celebrated Jim’s 35 years as town attorney.

"Tonight is a special night for many reasons. First of all, we'd like to recognize Marlene Searle's 30 years as town clerk for the Town of Hotchkiss," Mayor Wendell Koontz said at the start of the council meeting on May 10 to a round of applause.

A collage of pictures on the wall showed Searle as a baby, up to present day.

It was clear some behind the scenes strategizing had gone into the evening's celebration.

She was given a huge planter with white flowers and a new name plate which states, "Marlene Searle Town Clerk Extraordinaire."

"I enjoy working with you," Koontz told Searle.

Town attorney Jim Briscoe was also feted. He has served that role for the Town of Hotchkiss for 35 years. "He has kept us out of trouble," the mayor said. "It's been fun," Briscoe responded.

Briscoe's wife, Judy, was also present and brought two walking sticks, one for each of them. The town staff and board gave Briscoe a love seat-sized recliner with beverage holders. He and Judy looked very comfortable. There were jokes about whether it would be left in the council chamber for him during meetings, but he took it home.

Photo by Kathy Browning

After 30 years of service, Hotchkiss town clerk Marlene Searle was given a new designation as “Town Clerk Extraordinaire.” She has earned every bit of that new title. She was presented the plate during the May 10 council meeting by Mayor Wendell Koontz.

About Searle and Briscoe, Mayor Koontz said, "You guys have given years of dedicated service. So much of it was unpaid. Probably, we have no clue what it took for you two to be here this long and provide service to our community."

Searle noted that deputy clerk Tami Smith had worked hard on the decorations and cake. Searle was in on the arrangements for the Briscoes.

Larry Jakubiak, former Hotchkiss mayor, was present. "I've been associated with the town, plus being mayor, for about 18 years. And I truly wish that the community knew what these people did for us behind the scenes," Jakubiak said. "Jim has been my rock. If I ever needed anything, he was right next door. I never had a chance when I left to thank you. So thank you. And Marlene has been my guardian angel for 18 years. She was always there. She knows this town. She's the town historian. So, again thank you."

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Category: North Fork