Karen Cotter SEVIERVILLE — After more than 44 years working at the County Clerk’s office, including more than 12 running it, Karen Cotter has decided to step down. She won’t be seeking office again in 2022. She’s looking forward to spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. “I feel like it’s time,” she said. Cotter’s first day on the job was Jan. 16, 1977, when Paul Atchley ran the office. A lot has changed since then. In 1977, they were still using typewriters to maintain the documents at the office, which oversees marriage licenses, business licenses, probates and vehicle registration. Cotter had a brief period running the office in 1992, when Atchley unexpectedly passed away while in office.