Ready to serve

Shannon Whitfield, after defeating four-term Commissioner Bebe Heiskell, has become Walker County’s first new commissioner in 16 years. Whitfield was administered his oath of office by Probate Judge Christy Anderson on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016.

So they could legally begin serving terms that began on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, winners of the November 2016 election were administered their oaths of office last week. Top left: Steve Wilson is the first person elected to serve six terms as Walker County sheriff. With his wife Sandy holding a Bible, Wilson was administered his oath of office by Probate Judge Christy Anderson. Top right: Shannon Whitfield has beccome Walker County’s first new commissioner in 16 years. Whitfield was administered his oath of office by Judge Anderson while his wife Dana (in white) looked on. Whitfield has said he wants to be the county’s last sole commissioner, saying he would prefer the county changing its form of governance to a multi-member board of commissioners. Center left: While her husband, Walker County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Chris Anderson held the Bible, Walker County Probate Court Judge Christy Anderson was administered her oath of office by Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Don Wesley Thompson. Center right: Magistrate Court Judge Sheila Thompson (left) after being sworn in by Judge Anderson. Bottom left: Coroner Dewayne Wilson was among those sworn in by Probate Judge Anderson on Wednesday, Dec. 28. Bottom right: Walker County Tax Commissioner Carolyn Walker (center) placed her hand on a 100-year-old family Bible, held by her husband Leon, when she was sworn in by Judge Anderson. Clerk of Court Carter Brown has been sworn in but was unavailable for photos.(Messenger photos/Mike O’Neal)