June 4. Dave Vieser. Kenny Russell, Cornelius Animal Control officer, has been a fixture around town for 20 years. When the town’s animal shelter, operated by the Cornelius Police Dept., was ever called for assistance, Russell was on the job.

Russell retired on May 30, and was officially honored by the Town Board at their June 3 meeting. “Officer Russell has dedicated his life to animal control and public service since 2002,” said Police Chief David Baucom. “He has been a fixture in this community and his love for animals is unmatched. We wish him nothing but happiness and joy in his retirement.”

Kenny Russell

As a demonstration of the appreciation, the commissioners retired Russell’s badges and awarded them to him for his dedicated service to Cornelius.

In other action, the commissioners

—Approved the legal steps needed to place a parks bond issue on the ballot in November. Specifically, it established that the town will hold a public hearing on July 15 regarding the parks improvement proposal. The bond issue under consideration would be for a total of $20 million.

—Amended the 2024 meeting schedule, eliminating the July 1 Town Board meeting.