Winston County held a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, December 30 at the Winston County Courthouse, where recently elected and appointed officials took their oaths of office.
The elected officials begin serving their new term on January 6, 2020.
Chancery Court Judge Kiley Kirk presided over the swearing-in of the 17 officials.
Retiring Winston County Chancery Clerk Julie Cunningham welcomed the large crowd inthe courtroom and wished all a blessed 2020.
First Baptist minister Heath Hillman helped open the ceremony with prayer and noted the blessings we have as a nation with the peaceful transition of power and those who are willing to use their time and talents in public service.
“This is a new season of service and may God grant each one wisdom and discernment,” said Hillman.
Judge Kirk prior to the swearin- in of each official congratulated those on preparting to serve as well as thanked their families for supporting those who sought these offices.
The Winston County Board of Supervisors repeated the oath of office first. Burr Warner, Luke Parkes, Ralph Goss, Marion Jordan and Charlie Wilkes took the oath and will hold the new board meeting on Jan. 6. 2020. Wilkes is the only one taking office for the first time.
Rusty Foster took the oath as the new Chancery Clerk as he takes over the office for retiring Julie Cunningham.
Circuit Clerk Kim Ming, Tax Assessor Darlene Bane and Sheriff Jason Pugh recited their oaths together. All three are returning to their office.
Coroner Scott Gregory took the oath with both of his children beside him. Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Madison also had his daughter with him as he took the oath for his first full term of service. He had been appointed to the office in 2018 to serve out Kiley Kirk’s term when Kirk won the Chancery Judge post.
Justice Court Judges Mike Fuller and Robert Beck recited their oaths.
Kirk swore-in constables Ed Hunt and Deterron ‘Ty’ Hardin. Hardin took the constable oath for the first time.
Kirk also swore in warden Neil Higgason and Chief Deputy Keith Alexander.
