[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 198 (Monday, December 17, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RONNIE ELLIS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, when he retired last month, Ronnie 
Ellis closed the book on his long and proud career in journalism. A 
native of Glasgow, KY, Ronnie spent his professional life writing about 
the issues important to his fellow Kentuckians and the Commonwealth he 
loves. In doing so, he shared firsthand insights with his readers about 
the happenings in their capital and earned a reputation as one of the 
most trusted voices in Frankfort.
  Ronnie's first job in journalism came at the Edmonson News, a family-
owned weekly publication in South Central Kentucky. He was so eager to 
put words in print that he even started working there before he had 
finished his studies at Western Kentucky University in nearby Bowling 
Green. He clearly had a knack for it. From there, Ronnie worked at both 
the, Glasgow Daily Times and Henderson Gleaner, two newspapers with 
historic roots in Western Kentucky.
  In 2005, he moved to Frankfort and joined the Community Newspaper 
Holdings, Inc., CNHI, giving Ronnie the opportunity to have his 
articles printed in papers throughout the Commonwealth. His move to 
CNHI also brought a change in focus, Leading the organization's bureau 
in Frankfort, Ronnie kept a close eye on State government and politics. 
In addition to his written columns, he also became a frequent guest on 
Kentucky Educational Television's public affairs program, ``Comment on 
Kentucky.''
  Through the years, I spoke with Ronnie about the issues of the day 
and their importance to our home State. He never shied away from the 
tough questions, and his professionalism helped set the standard for 
other journalists.
  There is good news, however, for Ronnie's dedicated readers. We 
aren't losing his viewpoint forever. In the new year, Ronnie plans to 
continue writing a regular column for CNI. I would like to take this 
chance to join Ronnie's audience in thanking him for his years of 
reporting and wishing him a fulfilling retirement. I ask my Senate 
colleagues to join Elaine and me in thanking Ronnie for his commitment 
to journalism in Kentucky.

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