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Nicholasville has hired a new city engineer.

Brian Claar, a native of West Virginia and University of Kentucky graduate, started the job about a month and a half ago.

Mayor Pete Sutherland introduced Claar during the Jan. 10 City Commission meeting. City clerk Kathy Walker said he was hired to fill a vacancy for the city engineer spot in the planning and zoning department.

“I’ve been here three weeks and the first three weeks have been fantastic,” the West Virginia native said during the meeting. “Everyone is very helpful. I’m looking forward to helping improve the city.”

After graduating from U.K., Claar returned to West Virginia for several years before moving back to Kentucky and reconnecting with his wife, who he originally met in college. She is a graduate of West Jessamine High School, Claar said during the meeting.

Clair said his engineering specialty is erosion and sediment control. He will be working as an overall engineer — doing a variety of projects — for Nicholasville, Walker said.

News correspondent Nicole  Bowman-Layton wrote this story for the Jessamine Journal.