New and returning Tallahatchie County elected officials recited their oaths of office Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, during a ceremony held in the courtroom of the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Charleston.
Circuit Judge Smith Murphey V administered the oaths as family members and other well-wishers looked on, marking the start of a new four-year term for the local officials.
Prior to beginning the ceremony, Murphey asked for a moment of silence for retired Circuit Judge Andrew C. Baker of Charleston, who died Oct. 31 and for whom the courtroom is named. Murphey said he had not been in the courtroom since Judge Baker's death and wanted to remember him.
District 30 state Rep. Tracey Rosebud of Tutwiler, whose district now includes all of Tallahatchie County, did not participate in the local swearing-in but wanted to have his photo taken with those who did.
Tallahatchie County District 2 Constable Clifton H. Bailey did not attend the ceremony.
