FROM STAFF REPORTS

Alabama Governor Bob Riley appointed Frank Corley Ellis III to the Shelby County commission today.

Ellis replaces the late commissioner Billy Thompson, who died last month.

&uot;I am confident that Corley Ellis will provide the people of Shelby County with excellent service,&uot; Riley said. &uot;As a local businessman, Corley understands the problems facing small businesses and local governments.&uot;

Ellis, 35, works as a real estate agent in Shelby County. He is the son of county attorney and former state senator Frank C. &uot;Butch&uot; Ellis Jr.

&uot;I am excited about the appointment, of course, and I look forward to working with such a good group of commissioners,&uot; Ellis said. &uot;I am sorry for the circumstances, because you just can’t say enough good things about Billy Thompson and all he has done for the county. Those are some big shoes to fill.