Kines will qualify for new term

In July, Kines will mark 46 years of service in the clerk’s office, having begun her tenure under the tutelage of former clerk Leland Harrison in July 1974.

Kines has served as the clerk since July 2008. In addition to serving as clerk of superior court, she also is the clerk of state and juvenile courts.

“I have spent the better part of my adult life serving the citizens of Grady County. I consider it an honor and privilege. I humbly ask the voters to elect me to another four-year term so that I may continue to serve them to the best of my ability. It is a pleasure to serve people and I’m always happy to help in any way I can,” the veteran clerk of courts said this week.

During her tenure as clerk, Kines has been recognized by her peers on numerous occasions for leadership and hard work.

In 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 she was elected by the district clerks to be the District Chairperson.

She has also been named the Clerk of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and, most recently, 2013.

The Grady County Clerk of Court is currently serving as the vice chairman of the Clerk’s Training Council.

Through her leadership, Grady County was the first county in south Georgia to enable individuals to complete notary applications online.

The responsibilities of the Clerk of Superior Court include: filing and processing of documents associated with civil cases in both Superior and State courts, as well as the criminal division of Superior, State and Juvenile courts; recording real estate transactions, liens and personal property records; bookkeeping of the three courts; issuing notary certificates; registering trade names; accepting passport applications; serving as jury manager; and overseeing the Board of Equalization.

“The clerk’s office must comply with a multitude of statutory mandates, and I could not satisfy all of these requirements without the tremendous support and hard work of my office staff. They are highly trained, qualified, and caring public servants. I appreciate each one of them and their dedicated service to the county and all taxpayers,” Kines said.

Mrs. Kines and her husband, Rick Kines, will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary this September, and they are the parents of Chris Kines and Amanda Kines-Phillips. The Kines are the proud grandparents of Caden Kines, Preslei Phillips and Annalise Phillips.

“This is not just a job to me, it is a large part of my life and is a position I take very seriously. The work processed through my office affects many lives, not just today, but for generations to follow. It is critically important to ensure every filing is handled properly and efficiently,” the clerk said.

Qualifying for county offices begins Monday, March 2, and will conclude at noon on Friday, March 6.