New Polk County officials take oaths of office

  • Polk County General Sessions Judge Brooklyn Townsend takes her oath of office from Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp as her husband, Chris, looks on. Townsend was elected to serve the last two years of the unexpired term of Bill Baliles.
    Polk County General Sessions Judge Brooklyn Townsend takes her oath of office from Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp as her husband, Chris, looks on. Townsend was elected to serve the last two years of the unexpired term of Bill Baliles.
  • Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross encouraged the newly elected officials.
    Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross encouraged the newly elected officials.
  • Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp offered words of encouragement.
    Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp offered words of encouragement.
  • New Third District school board member Jill Crago Rose took her oath of office from Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp.
    New Third District school board member Jill Crago Rose took her oath of office from Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp.
  • Robert “Robbie” Cole, who was re-elected to the school board from the Third District, took his oath of office from Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp.
    Robert “Robbie” Cole, who was re-elected to the school board from the Third District, took his oath of office from Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp.
  • Third District Constable Mike Worley took his oath of office from Criminal Court Judge Sandra Donaghy.
    Third District Constable Mike Worley took his oath of office from Criminal Court Judge Sandra Donaghy.
  • Jason Pankey was sworn in to serve his first term as Polk County’s new assessor of property.
    Jason Pankey was sworn in to serve his first term as Polk County’s new assessor of property.
  • Fourth Fractional Township commissioners Ronette O’Neal and Ronnie O’Neal take their oaths of office.
    Fourth Fractional Township commissioners Ronette O’Neal and Ronnie O’Neal take their oaths of office.
  • Polk County’s newly elected officials and the judges who conducted the oath-office-ceremonies Monday, August 31, at the First Baptist Church of Benton are, from left, Criminal Court Judge Sandra Donaghy, Polk County General Sessions Judge Brooklyn Townsend, Assessor of Property Jason Pankey, Constable Tim Tatum, Constable Mike Worley, school board members Nick Ratcliff, Jill Crago Rose, Angie Crowder, Robert “Robbie” Cole, Fourth Fractional Township commissioners Ronette O’Neal and Ronnie O’Neal, Constable
    Polk County’s newly elected officials and the judges who conducted the oath-office-ceremonies Monday, August 31, at the First Baptist Church of Benton are, from left, Criminal Court Judge Sandra Donaghy, Polk County General Sessions Judge Brooklyn Townsend, Assessor of Property Jason Pankey, Constable Tim Tatum, Constable Mike Worley, school board members Nick Ratcliff, Jill Crago Rose, Angie Crowder, Robert “Robbie” Cole, Fourth Fractional Township commissioners Ronette O’Neal and Ronnie O’Neal, Constable

    Newly elected Polk County officials who took their oaths of office last week heard words of common sense and scriptural encouragement.

    Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross and Circuit Court Judge Mike Sharp both addressed the officials, their family members and supporters gathered at the First Baptist Church of Benton Monday, August 31.

    The new public servants took office the next day.

    Ross urged everyone to “treat people the way you would want to be treated.” He said people may not always remember what you said, but they will remember how they are treated.

    He also reminded the election winners that their next campaign begins immediately.

    Sharp echoed the sheriff’s words, explaining how “it doesn’t matter so much what you tell your kid, it’s what you show your kid,” speaking to the importance of leading by example.

    Sharp gave another piece of advice, “Do what you say you’ll do,” before turning to God’s word to offer guidance.

    He told the new officials, “God wants you to succeed.” He then quoted Proverbs 16:3, “Commit  your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established.” 

    “Work as if you’re working for the Lord,” Sharp said, quoting Colossians 3:23. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

    Speaking specifically to General Sessions Judge Brooklyn Townsend, Sharp quoted 2 Chronicles 19:6, and said to the judges, “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment.”

    “If you live by this every