Courtroom filled for swearing in ceremony
Published 7:03 pm Friday, December 27, 2019
Shane Phelps signs official papers
A large crowd filled the Batesville Courthouse courtroom
The incoming Board of Supervisors
Justice Court Judges Charlie Baglan and Mike Wilson
Tax Assessor/Collector O'dell Draper
Incoming supervisors sign state documents
Coroner Gracie Grant-Gulledge and Circuit Clerk Melissa Meek-Phelps
Judge Wilson saved the moment
Judge Smith Murphey asked for a prayer before the ceremony
Friends and family congratulate the new sworn officials
Constable Faye Pettis and Sheriff-elect Phelps
County Attorney Charlie Gaines Baker
The Batesville Courthouse was crowded Friday morning with family and friends of Panola County officials on hand for the swearing-in ceremony for those elected to office in the November General Election.
Circuit Judge Smith Murphey administered the various oaths of offices to Supervisors, Chancery and Circuit Clerks, Tax Assessor/Collector, County Attorney, Constable, Justice Court Judges, School Board Trustee, and Coroner.
Sheriff-elect Shane Phelps also asked Judge Murphey to deputize some of the law enforcement officers that he has chosen to work in the Sheriff’s Office.
The Board of Supervisors approved a list of Sheriff’s Department employees submitted by the incoming sheriff earlier this month. Those who were present at the swearing-in posed with Phelps for a group photo after the official oaths were taken.
Phelps and the new officers will assume their new duties on Tuesday, Jan. 6, except Reginald Lantern who will join the PCSO on March 1 following his retirement from the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The new hires approved this month are:
Reginald Lantern – Chief Deputy
Bill McGee – Major (part-time)
Kevin Smith – Captain
Clyde Estridge – Captain
Chuck Henson – Captain
Tyler Mills – Lt./Investigator
Clint Robertson – Lt./Investigator
Justin Maples – Lt./Investigator
Darius Smith – Lt.
Tripp Williams – Lt./Patrol
Maurice Market – Lt./Patrol
Rodzinski Weekly – Sgt./Investigator
Adrian Kirkwood – Sgt./Investigator
George Renfroe – Investigator
Sparky Campbell – Sgt./Patrol
Tommy Crutcher – Sgt./Patrol
Jeremy Hailey – Sgt./Patrol
Kelvin Taylor – Lt./Patrol
Mark Allen – Deputy
Charles Cranford – Deputy
Darryl House – Deputy
Bubba Moore – Deputy
Josh Griffin – Deputy
Mario Presley – Deputy
Chantrice Morgan – Deputy
Jeremy Denley – Deputy
Jon Somerville – Deputy
Clyde Gill – Deputy
Eugene Flowers – Deputy
Chuck Tucker – Deputy
Terry Anderson – Deputy
Dean Jones – School Resource Officer
Stevie Webb – School Resource Officer
Kelvin Leland – School Resource Officer
Cindy Tullos – Secretary
Jamie Sullivan – Secretary
Chuck Smith – Captain
Mike Hardin – Lt.
Matt Cote – Sgt.
Brittan Crawford – Sgt.
Charlie Tindal – Sgt.
Ron Yancy – Agent
Tim Foy – Agent
Jake Mills – Part-time Deputy
Stevie Adams – Part-time Deputy
John Hubbard – Part-time Deputy
Fred Hentz – Part-time Deputy
Ben Simmons – Part-time Deputy
Kelvin Morgan – Part-time Deputy
