Elected Warren County officials take their oaths of office

Newly elected county officials were sworn in at the Warren County Courthouse today. They took their oaths under the direction of Chancery Court Judge Vicki Roach Barnes.

The supervisor races were closely watched this year as all the supervisors were up for re-election, and four out of five seats were overturned.

One of those sworn in was Kelle Barfield, representing District 5 on the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

“It was a wonderful ceremony,” Barfield said. “This is such a great country with our practices and our policies to be able to take an oath with your hand on the Bible. It’s was so very special to be a part of.”

Along with Barfield, Shawn Jackson was sworn in as supervisor for District 3, Edward Herring for District 1, Jeff Holland for District 4, and the only incumbent re-elected, William Banks for District 2. All stood before their supporters and residents of Warren County to take their oaths of office.

Barfield said what made this moment so special to her is that she was able to see people in the room from District 5 who supported her campaign.

“There were so many supporters who encouraged me at the very beginning to put my name on the ballot and put my skills to work for Warren County,” she said.

News broke yesterday that County Administrator John Smith will be resigning at the end of this month, which may make for a difficult start for the new supervisors. Although he will be missed, Barfield said his legacy remains.

“Smith has been a backbone for this county, as many county administrators are in our form of government in Mississippi,” Barfield said. “The beauty of someone as influential and strong as John Smith has been that they leave the best parts of them behind in policy changes and his practices in county government. Even in his absence, we will still feel that positive effect that will stay with us.”

The new board will have to decide how to permanently fill the county administrator position.

“Filling that spot will be a top priority moving forward for the board, but there are interim steps can be put into place to make sure work moves smoothly.” Barfield said.

The supervisors were not the only ones sworn in today. In total, 15 elected officials were sworn into public office including Ben Luckett, sworn in as Warren County Tax Assessor and Antonia Flaggs Jones returning as Tax Collector.

“It is a great honor to be able to represent in this capacity for the residents of Warren County,” Luckett said, “It is a ceremony I look forward to being a part of since being elected a few years back.”

Doug Huskey was sworn in for another term as Warren County Coroner. Donna Farris Hardy took the oath for another term as Warren County Chancery Clerk, and both Edwin Woods Jr. and Jeffrey Crevitt were sworn in to return as Justice Court judges. Troy Kimble, Glenn McKay and John Heggins were also sworn in for additional terms as Warren County constables.

Martin Pace took the oath for another term as Warren County sheriff. He secured his position in November by garnering 90 percent of the votes in a race against two opponents.