After 29 years as a magistrate and Christian County Clerk, the end of the road has arrived for Mike Kem.
It’s a sunset he has welcomed and embraced, and on Wednesday afternoon, he received a rousing round of applause from noted dignitaries, associates and family for his three decades of services — following a retirement reception held at the Christian County Fiscal Court room.
One of Kem’s best friends, former County Attorney Mike Foster, spoke on a man who helped put Christian County and its clerk’s office back into good fiscal standing, while ushering in a wealth of change and technological advancement.
He also called Kem’s transition from magistrate to county clerk, which happened in 1999, a “well-timed” ordeal.
Capital projects were also a big focus during Kem’s time, and Foster credited his friend for the success of the Christian County Jail.
Foster also pointed to Kem as one of the key initiators of the Christian County Ambulance Board, when eventually pushed for the hiring of paramedics alongside EMTs in order to provide better emergency medical attention to Christian Countians and surrounding communities.
Kem called this “the greatest single act” of his entire career, which took place around 1996. And it’s something that saved his brother, Larry’s, life.
In a speech to his family and friends, Kem held out two muffin pans — showing just how far the county clerk’s office had come under his tutelage.
Kem announced in December 2021 he would not be running for re-election, setting up the end of his tenure.
He and his family took several photos together, and everyone enjoyed punch and cake. Melinda Humphries officially assumes his position this upcoming January, while his last official day is Thursday.
