Whitman County hosts 118th WSACC conference

PULLMAN — Whitman County hosted the 118th Washington State Association of County Clerks (WSACC) summer conference for the first time this year.

The summer conference took place Tuesday, June 18, through tomorrow Friday, June 21, in Pullman.

The conference brings elected clerks from each of the 39 counties for a week of education and networking and were able to explore the highlights of the Palouse after hours.

“Clerks are challenged each year to remain up to date on newly passed legislation that impacts the state’s Superior Courts, Clerks Offices and the public served,” said Whitman County Clerk Jill Whelchel, noting that the annual conference provides crucial support to elected clerks from around the state.

According to the Whitman County Clerk’s webpage the clerk is the record keeping and financial officer of the Superior Court.

The position is provided by the Washington State Constitution with specific and special mandated duties assigned by statute and court rules.

The clerk’s role is to preserve the public unrestrained access to a fair, accurate and independently established records of the opinions, decisions and judgement of the court.

According to the site, the clerk position is independent of the judicial branch, and it is their duty to protect the judiciary from the appearance of impropriety or unfairness in the setting of cases, implementation of order or investment of funds.