Six Lincoln County officials take oaths of office
“I do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of American and the Constitution of the State of Montana and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity. So help me God.”
With those words, in front of a packed room in the Lincoln County Courthouse, District Judge Jim Wheelis administered the oaths of office for six county officials who were elected or reelected in November’s election.
Beginning with, in Wheelis’ words, “the most important function, which is the money,” reelected county treasurer Nancy Trotter Higgins took her oath. She was followed by newly elected clerk and recorder Robin Benson.
County legal officers were next in line, beginning with Jay Sheffield who was reelected as justice of the peace, defeating fellow incumbent Stormy Langston following the county’s decision to combine the Libby and Eureka justice courts. County Attorney Bernie Cassidy, who ran unopposed, followed Sheffield. Sheriff Roby Bowe, reelected in a hard-fought campaign, was then sworn in to round out that group.
The final official to take the oath of office was newly elected commissioner Mark Peck. Peck defeated challenger Russ Bache in November, after both candidates secured enough votes to defeat incumbent Tony Berget in the June primary.
Coroner Steve Schnackenberg, who also ran unopposed, did not attend the ceremony. “That’s ominous,” joked Judge Wheelis. When asked for comment, Schnackenberg simply said, “I forgot.”