Recently elected Lauderdale County officials were sworn in Sunday at the Lauderdale County Government Center as their new duties began Jan. 1.

In a short ceremony in front of family, friends and community members, Lee Thaggard, who serves as board attorney for the Board of Supervisors, said the officials, newly elected and reelected alike, have worked hard to reach the point of being sworn in to office. The work, however, is just beginning, he said.

“Today is the culmination of a long road to a new beginning for each newly elected official,” he said. “Beginning tomorrow, the true work starts for each of these elected officials.”

Chancery Court Judge Charlie Smith, who administered the oaths of office during Sunday’s ceremony, said it was an honor to swear in the new officials in front of the newly completed government center.

“What we used to look at as a possibility is now a reality,” he said.

Over the next four years, Thaggard said, those in public office will need the support and prayers of the community as they make decisions that will impact the lives of Lauderdale County residents.

“For the officials up here standing before me, the reality is they’re probably not going to be any more popular than they are today. It’s just the reality of being politics, alright,” he said. “So, for you standing in front of them, what we’ll ask for them is your continued support, your thoughts and prayers as they do the people’s work the next four years.”

Officials taking office for the first time include: District 1 Supervisor J.J. Anders, District 2 Supervisor Craig Houston, Coroner Stella McMahan, Sheriff Ward Calhoun, District 1 Justice Court Judge Nicholis Lisi and District 4 Election Commissioner Brenda Faye Harris.

Incumbents beginning a new term are District 3 Supervisor Josh Todd, District 4 Supervisor Joe Norwood, District 5 Supervisor Kyle Rutledge, Chancery Clerk Carolyn Mooney, Circuit Clerk Donna Jill Johnson, Constables Tommie Coker, Ondray Harris Jr., Mike Myers and Lee “Chuck” Roberts representing Districts 1-4, District Attorney Kassie Coleman, Justice Court Judges Ondray Harris Sr. of District 2, Paul Earley of District 3 and Buck Roberts of District 4, District 1 Election Commissioner Gloria Dancy, Tax Assessor James Rainey and Tax Collector Doris Spidle.

Those elected to serve in judicial positions took their oaths of office prior to Sunday’s ceremony.