CLARKSBURG -- Not in recent memory has Harrison County had four new elected officials in the same year.
But with a new judge, prosecuting attorney and sheriff, plus a new magistrate taking office Jan. 1, this year is unique.
To mark the occasion, the county conducted a swearing-in ceremony for all elected officials Friday in Chief Judge John Lewis Marks' courtroom.
Marks administered the oath of office for Judge-elect Jim Matish, Prosecuting Attorney-elect John Scott and incumbent Assessor Cheryl Romano.
He then swore in all five magistrates: Incumbents Mark Gorby, Brenda Anselene, Warren E. "Gizzy" Davis and Tammy Marple and newcomer Keith Marple.
Their five magistrate assistants also took their oaths.
Judge Thomas Bedell swore in Sheriff-elect Jim Jack.
Each official had a family member -- a wife, mother or daughter -- hold the Bible during the oath. All thanked their families, friends and supporters.
Marks and Bedell took their oaths earlier in the day. County Commissioner Roger Diaz was unable to attend the ceremony and will be sworn in during the first commission meeting in January.
Following the ceremony, Commissioner Beth Taylor issued oaths to new Chief Sheriff's Deputy Albert Marano and all sheriff's deputies, including corrections officers, process servers, bailiffs and patrol officers.
All elected officials take office Jan. 1.
Staff writer Paul Darst can be reached at 626-1404 or by e-mail at pdarst@exponent-telegram.com.
