The courtroom at the Blytheville courthouse was packed as individuals representing a new era in leadership recited their oaths of office Saturday morning.
Circuit Judge Ralph Wilson Jr., issued the oath of office to a new county judge, county sheriff, county treasurer, justices of the peace and new mayors for both Blytheville and Gosnell.
Randy Carney of Osceola, a Blytheville businessman, was sworn in as judge with his family looking on. Dale Cook, a recently retired Arkansas State Police trooper, of Blytheville, was sworn in as county sheriff. Longtime Chief Deputy Treasurer Peggy Meatte was sworn in as county treasurer.
In a historic moment, Blytheville Mayor James Sanders became the first African-American to hold that office. The move was fitting as he wrapped up a less-than-two-year term as the county's first black sheriff.
Longtime Gosnell alderman Don Marshall took the oath as Gosnell's new mayor.
The ceremony also featured the oaths of office of three new Blytheville aldermen, Missy Langston, John Musgraves and Stan Parks, as well as a new Blytheville City Clerk, Connie Mosley.
The Mississippi County Quorum Court will have two new and two familiar faces join the group as Adonnis Hopper and Benton Felts, along with Robert Earl Davis and Hattie Middlebrook, were issued their oaths. Three of the justices, Ken Kennemore, Sylvester Belcher and Fred Fleeman, were not present.
The crowd applauded for each new leader after the oath was administered. Wilson patiently waited around after his official duties were completed to take photographs with the officeholders.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com