A crowd of well-wishers witnessed the swearing-in of the recently elected Union County Officials on August 29 at Union County High School Commons. County Mayor Jason Bailey, re-elected for his second term, opened the ceremony and called on Rev. Robbie Corum to say a prayer. Evelyn Gentry, UCHS, ROTC Cadet Commanding Officer, had the honor of leading the pledge to the American Flag.
Chancellor Elizabeth Asbury administered the oath of each respective office beginning with the new Sessions and Juvenile Judge Travis Patterson. Judge Patterson was followed by Jason Bailey, who was accompanied by his family. Sheriff Billy Breeding stood alone to recite his oath, but noted that half the room will be up here next. Indeed, more than 30 deputies filled the front area to take their oath to keep Union County safe.
Circuit and Sessions Court Clerk Barbara Williams recited her oath and each of her deputies, Tammy Boggs, Tiffany Bowman, Kim Miniard and Natasha Wolfenbarger swore to uphold their duties.
Next came County Court Clerk Pam Ailor whose Deputy Clerks were overseeing the paperwork for the elected officials. Deputy County Clerks Brittney Acuff, Amy England, Carolyn Fields, Whitney Goins, Katie Rush and Carol Williams were all sworn to carry out the duties of the office.
Register of Deeds Ann Russell and her Deputy Tracy Hodge agreed to properly register all documents.
Following the Register of Deeds was Gina Gilbert, Trustee and the Deputy Clerks Tammy George, Crystal Johnson and Brooke Simpson.
Chancellor Asbury continued with the oaths to the County Commissioners by district. First District commissioners are Mike Boles, Ashley Mike and Gerald Simmons. According to Simmons, 50 years ago he took his first oath of office as a county commissioner, back then called a justice of the peace. Second District Commissioners are Sidney Jessee Jr. and Cheryl Walker. Third District is represented by Bill Cox and Kenny Moore. Danny Cooke and Dawn Flatford will speak for Fourth District. Fifth District Commissioners are Greg Dyer and Eddie Simpson. Sixth District has three representatives, Linda Effler, R.L. Jones and Larry Lay. Taking the oath for Seventh District was Lynn Beeler and Angela Connor-Murphy.
Newly elected school board members Jessica Buck in the Third District and Rebecca Lock in the Seventh District affirmed their commitment to uphold the policies of the Union County Board of Education along with the current Fifth District board member Danny Wayne Collins.
Four of the seven road commissioners took the oath of office: Paul Hill (1st), Wade Brantley (4th), Harold Brantley (5th) and Johnny Raley (6th). Darrell Dyer (2nd), Allen Collins (3rd) and Elmer Munsey (7th) will also serve.
Six of the seven districts have constables and all were sworn to uphold the law and help apprehend those who commit a crime. In order by district were Lynn Carpenter (1st), Tyler Sharp (2nd), Kermie Holloway (3rd), Ryan Loyd (4th), John Dennis (5th) and Daniel Rice (6th).
Chancellor Asbury wished everyone a successful tenure in office and Mayor Bailey closed the ceremony by congratulating all officeholders and thanking his staff and all who participated.
The first County Commission meeting with new officials will be September 26 and the School Board will meet on September 8.