06/05/2026
🌟 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: KAREN KINCHELOE-WILLIS 🌟
Today, we honor an extraordinary milestone as we celebrate the retirement of Karen Kincheloe-Willis after 53 years of dedicated service to the City of Blackwell.
At Thursday night's meeting of the Blackwell City Council, family, friends, coworkers, and community members gathered to celebrate the remarkable career of a woman whose dedication to public service has touched generations of Blackwell residents.
Karen first joined the City of Blackwell in March 1973, beginning her career at the Blackwell Public Library. She faithfully served library patrons for more than 34 years before retiring in June 2007.
As it turns out, retirement wasn't quite for Karen.
Just a few months later, in October 2007, she returned to work part-time at City Hall, where she continued serving the community through clerical work, record keeping, organization, and countless other duties that helped keep city operations running smoothly.
Born in Alva and raised in Blackwell from the age of 13, Karen has proudly called this community home for most of her life. Over the course of her career, she worked alongside countless city employees, witnessed decades of change, and helped serve generations of Blackwell residents. Her remarkable career spans generations, and her commitment, loyalty, and hard work have left a lasting legacy within our city.
When asked about her favorite hobby, Karen shared that she enjoys working crossword puzzles — a fitting pastime for someone who has always approached life with patience, determination, and a love of learning.
What Karen treasures most about her years with the City of Blackwell is the people. She spoke fondly of her coworkers, sharing that they were always kind, helpful, and supportive whenever she needed them. The relationships she built throughout her career became much more than professional connections — they became a second family.
Of course, as City Clerk Traci Hanebrink jokingly noted, Karen's most important responsibility may have been keeping everyone else in line.
"Through all the change, she stayed," Hanebrink said. "She has been here through it all, through thick and thin. Karen cannot be bored — we have kept her busy."
Hanebrink reflected on Karen's impact not only as a coworker, but as a constant presence in City Hall for decades.
"Karen has served the City of Blackwell and this community for 53 years," she said. "I don't know what this job looks like without you."
City Manager Jerry Wieland echoed those sentiments, praising Karen's commitment to public service and the lasting mark she has left on the community.
"Public service is one of the most gratifying things that you can do," Wieland said. "The City of Blackwell owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude, and this place will not look the same without you."
"You will truly be missed," he added. "You're an icon, and we will miss you deeply."
Fifty-three years of service is more than a career, it is a lifetime of dedication to a community. Karen's impact cannot be measured simply by the years she served, but by the countless lives she touched, the friendships she formed, and the example she set for those who had the privilege of working alongside her.
While City Hall may seem a little quieter without her, Karen's legacy of service, dedication, and kindness will remain a part of the City of Blackwell for years to come.
As Karen begins this well-deserved new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering service and commitment to the City of Blackwell. Her presence will be greatly missed, but her legacy will remain for generations.
Please join us in congratulating Karen Kincheloe-Willis on her retirement, thanking her for 53 incredible years of service, and wishing her a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
