Caldwell County Clerk Toni Watson is retiring at the end of her term on December 31st. This will bring an end to a 44-year career serving the citizens of her home county.
She graduated from Caldwell County High School in 1970 and began to take classes at Murray State University. Watson’s studies were cut short with her returning home to take care of family members and also to start a family of her own. In addition to taking care of her family, she worked at the Princeton Hosiery Mill, Arvin Industries and the Ames Factory.
Watson went to church with Barbara VanHooser who was elected County Clerk in 1978 and was offered a job as a deputy in the Clerk’s office which she accepted and served there for over 13 years. She was then offered a job as the County Treasurer and served in that position for a year and a half.
Watson decided to run for the office of County Clerk and won that race and has remained in that position for the past 29 years.
click to download audioWhen Watson began in the Clerk’s office they were using typewriters.
click to download audioWhen the computers came along it cut down on the actual paperwork and sent some of the work to Frankfort.
click to download audioThe voting process is a major part of the Clerk’s responsibility and Watson believes Kentucky has a good system.
click to download audioOver the years Watson has worked with 7 different county judge-executives and some of them stand out in her mind.
click to download audioWatson’s term ends this weekend but she still has to return to finish out the books for the 2022 year.
click to download audioWhen asked if we might still be able to hear that familiar voice announcing upcoming election results Watson responded.
click to download audioWatson is thankful for the time she has spent in the courthouse and appreciates all the support over the years.
click to download audioWatson is looking forward to spending more time with her husband Larry, children Jennifer and Johnny and granddaughter Lily who is in kindergarten.
