RICHMOND – About 75 people turned out at the courthouse Dec. 31 for the swearing-in ceremony for Ray County officials elected in November.

County Clerk Glenda Powell swore in seven officials: Dave Powell as eastern commissioner; Gary Wilhite, western commissioner; Linda Coleman, assessor; Shannon Wollard, public administrator; Bart Willim, coroner; Terry McCanless; surveyor; and Scott Childers, sheriff. Thirteen deputies also took the oath.

Childers spoke to the crowd in the third-floor courtroom. He thanked his late mother; and his father, Craig Childers, for helping him win the office.

Craig Childers served as a deputy in Ray and Clay counties. Scott Childers, prior to his election, served as a Clay County deputy and will begin serving Ray County.

“I’m standing here because of this man,” Scott Childers said, acknowledging his father, “and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Scott Childers also thanked everyone for attending the event and then took the oath of office.

Afterward, he hugged his…