Big changes are coming to East Logan Water District.
Charles Kelly Hanks, who through his Hanks Construction Company has managed the day-to-day operations of the utility for 32 years, has informed the East Logan board that he does not want to continue those duties any longer.
Bill Stokes, chairman of the board, tells The LoJo that East Logan has purchased the former location of Auto City Sales at the corner of East Seventh and Franklin streets in Russellville for its new office, adjacent to The Exchange pawn shop.
East Logan will continue to be headquartered at the Hanks offices in Auburn until Nov. 30. Stokes said that Sarah Moore, who most of East Logan’s 3,100 members know as the face of the water district, will continue to work in the office.
Stokes, who has been on the board the same 32 years as Hanks has managed East Logan, will serve as interim manager while a new manager is being chosen.
Carroll Browning and Loyd Houchens are currently the other two board members. During Stokes’ tenure he has also served with Carroll McPherson and Rudy Shelton.
Jana Hanks, C.K.’s wife, has been an integral part of the operation of East Logan throughout these three decades. She has handled public relations for the district during that time as well as operation of the office.
East Logan Water District has seen more than a 700 percent increase in membership during the Hanks era.
The Hankses also have a large private business, Hanks Construction Company, which has been expanding rapidly.