Karen Ladner Ruhr announces her candidacy for the Office of Hancock County Circuit Clerk. Karen is a 22-year veteran of the Circuit Clerk’s Office. She began her career as a Deputy Circuit Clerk for J.D. “Big John” Rutherford doing marriage licenses, voter registration and elections. Karen has served retiring Circuit Clerk, Pamela Metzler, as Chief Deputy Clerk for the past 18 years, managing the court system, Dockets, jury selections for grand and petit juries, criminal and civil trials as well as overseeing the daily operations of the office. As someone who has worked her way from an entry level of the clerks office to the Chief Ceputy Circuit Clerk, Karen brings a full knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of the clerk’s office to her candidacy.

Karen is a life long resident of Hancock County and is married to Roy Ruhr, Jr. of Waveland. They have two children, Ashton, 19, and Ryan, 15.

“As Circuit Clerk, I will continue to provide a courteous and professional office while using my knowledge and experience to enhance and improve the services of the Circuit Clerk’s Office.

“I have spent my career over two decades preparing for the job of Circuit Clerk. At a time when the effects of Hurricane Katrina are still a major factor in government, I am ready to hit the ground running. There would be no learning curve. This most important office would have leadership that knows its day to day operations as well as its long term needs.”