Loco Absentiae
Is one of the Library Board members hiding a secret? Are they being used by a corrupt system to further the goals of a corrupt Library Board Member and Lawyer?
Screenshot Date of 9/24/26
Recently, concerns have emerged regarding the Christian County Library Board's governance and decision-making processes, notably a lawsuit filed against certain board members. At the center of this controversy is board member Janis Hagen, Christian County Library Board Secretary, whose role as the plaintiff in this legal action has raised questions about the board's ethical conduct and decision-making processes.
Multiple sources familiar with the board's operations have expressed concerns about Hagen's ability to participate fully in board activities. During a public interview on 9/24/24, Hagen appeared confused when answering questions about the lawsuit. Similar confusion, inability to follow the dialogue, and losing track of the conversation have been noted at most Library Board meetings over the past year or more.
These observations have led to questions about whether Hagen is receiving appropriate support as a board member and whether naming her as the plaintiff in the recent lawsuit was in her best interests or those of the library system.
When asked about the decision to name Hagen as the plaintiff, Harry Styron has not explained his rational. However, if there are concerns about a possible decline, I would argue that his decision raises ethical concerns.
The situation has also raised questions about the roles of key figures in the library system:
1. Allyson Tuckness, Former Board President: Why wasn’t she named the plaintiff? She was the supposed offended member since she was replaced as President.
2. Harry Styron, Library Board Counsel: As the Library Board Counsel, he has access to private information about the Board, including any possible HIPPA documents. If he knows any reason why Hagen shouldn’t serve as the plaintiff but named her as the plaintiff anyway, the question is why?
3. Renee Brumett, Executive Director: As a party to the decisions being made by the Board’s Counsel, why did she agree to Hagen being named as the plaintiff when there are possible concerns?
This controversy highlights broader questions about the library board's governance:
1. Does the board have policies in place for supporting members who may be experiencing health issues or cognitive decline?
2. Are there procedures for assessing board members' fitness to serve, and if so, are they being followed?
3. How are decisions made about legal actions taken by the board, and what oversight exists for these processes?
Hagen has a long history of community service, including years as a kindergarten teacher. Attempts to reach Hagen or her family for comment were ongoing.
As this situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of transparent governance and ethical decision-making in public institutions. The community will likely look to the Christian County Library Board for answers and assurances about its commitment to these principles.
Update:
After I sent this email out to Harry Styron and to Janis Hagen, Janis was removed from as the plaintiff from the Lawsuit.
Email to Harry Styron’s office on 9/25/24.
New Plaintiff as of today, 9/26/24, is the Christian County Library District, removing Ms. Hagen.
I’ll let the screenshots speak to Mr. Styron’s actions in removing Ms. Hagen from the lawsuit today.
I believe my reporting on this issue has revealed a departure from standard procedures and ethics. Because I worry about Lawfare, I want to state these questions clearly using my 1st Amendment Rights as a Journalist.
Did they know beforehand? And if they did, did they use Ms. Hagen’s condition to further their political agenda?