Happy Christian County officials are now sworn in Dec. 30

OZARK, MO — I, state your name, do solemnly swear… Christian County officials are officially sworn in as of December 30.

Kay Brown retired after 20 years as county clerk, swearing in her replacement, Paula Brumfield, along with a heartfelt hug.

Awww!

Others sworn in included: Jessica Kruse, Circuit Judge Div. II; Doug Bacon, 38th Circuit Associate Circuit Div. IV; and Steven E. Ward, 38th Circuit Associate Circuit Judge Div. III.

Retired Judge John Waters, who ran his court more like the TV show “Night Court” , spinkled with good humor, swore in Barbara Barnett-Stillings as circuit court clerk, and Kelly Blunt Hall as Recorder of Deeds.

Amy Fite swore in her replacement, Kristen Tuohy Avila as prosecuting attorney. (What’s with all these women in power? Yikes, I don’t wanna piss off any women in Christian County!)

Then was Lynn Morris, my favorite new Presiding Commissioner, followed by Amy Dent, county auditor; and Paula Brumfield, county clerk.

Ted Nichols will be sworn in later, since he was too busy busy busy collecting revenue. He’s been collector of revenue, well, for many a year.

Upside of the ceremony: It was a courtroom filled with cheer instead of gloom for once. Plus, I got to sit by Mindee Bacon and see a pic of her grandbabies. My wife got to show Mindee her grandbaby.

Downside: No cake or cookies were served afterwards.

Here are some pictures of the big day:

From left, Kay Brown, outgoing County Clierk; Circuit Juge Laura Brown; retired Judge John Waters *(CCT Photo)*

Front right; retired Western District Commissioner Bill Barnett; second row, Doug Bacon’s wife, Mindee (right) and County Auditor Amy Dent (left) *(CCT photo)*

Kay Brown’s husband, far right, was the happiest man in the room! (Kay is finally retiring!) *(CCT Photo)*

Circuit Judge Laura Johnson, left, swears in Circuit Judge Jessica Kruse, right

Judges, from left, Laura Brown, John Waters, Doug Bacon, Jessica Kruse. *(CCT Photo)*

Circuit Judge Laura Brown swearing in Associate Circuit Judge Doug Bacon *(CCT Photo)*

Barbara Barnett-Stillings, left, sworn in by Retired Judge John Waters, with her hand on the Bible. *(CCT Photo)*

Kelly Blunt Hall is sworn in as Recorder of Deeds by Retired Judge John Waters *(CCT Photo)*

Prosecuting Attorney Amy Fite (left) swears in her successor Kristen Tuohy Alvila *(CCT Photo)*

Kristen Tuohy Avila was assistant prosecutor before being sworn in as Christian County Prosecuting Attorney. *(CCT Photo)*

Lynn Morris takes the oath of office as the new Presiding Commissioner. He was Eastern District Commissioner until he defeated Ralph Phillips in the August primary election. Kay Brown swears Morris in. (CCT Photo)

Kay Brown swears in County Auditor Amy Dent (right) *(CCT Photo)*

Paula Brumfield, left, is the new County Clerk, replacing Kay Brown, right *(CCT Photo)*

Why we love Christian County. Kay Brown embraces her replacement, Paula Brumfield.

From Left, Andrea Cockroft, Mr. Brown, Kay Brown, laughing at Judge John Waters stories. Waters recalled how he used to make inmate recite all 8 names of Santa’s reindeer in order to be released from jail at Christmastime. *(CCT Photo)*

Mindee Bacon and Judge Steven Ward *(CCT Photo)*

150500cookie-checkHappy Christian County officials are now sworn in Dec. 30