Swearing in ceremonies for Linton

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Photos by Mark Stalcup

At noon on Saturday, Dec. 31, Linton's newly elected civic officials and incoming Mayor John Wilkes gathered at the city fire station to be sworn in. The ceremony, typically held at City Hall, was relocated to allow the public to attend and encourage civic involvement. Altogether around 500 showed up to wish the officials well and sample hot dogs and hamburgers.

Former City Councilman Kelly Fogelsong, left, congratulates his longtime family friend, Mayor John Wilkes after the mayor was sworn in Saturday. "John's been a family friend all my life," said Fogelsong, who ran for mayor in 2008. "I think he's proven himself as President of the Greene County Council. He's super - just a good guy - and I'm proud of him for stepping up." (Photo by Mark Stalcup)
Councilwoman Linda Bedwell enjoys a hot dog and tea after her swearing in ceremony Saturday. Bedwell said looking out the firehouse bay windows during the ceremony, she spotted dilapidated houses, a key concern of hers and one which she and Mayor John Wilkes intend to work on improving in the coming term. (Photo by Mark Stalcup)
New Ward 6 City Councilman Jathan Wright, 22, is among the youngest city council members ever elected and the grandson of the late Linton Mayor Jimmie K. Wright. The new councilman smiled at his nephew Aiden as Fran Abbott, the city's administrative assistant (center) and his sister, Aiden's mom Shandi Wilson, amused the bouncing baby boy. (Photo by Mark Stalcup)
Newly sworn-in Ward 5 City Councilman Fred Markle greets a constituent during Saturday's swearing in ceremony. Markle, who won the seat after two prior tries in 2004 and 2008, said he was humbled to become part of Linton's history. "Last week, I said to the mayor (and fellow downtown businessman John Wilkes) 'next week, you and me will really be part of Linton's history, not just downtown business owners. Now we're in with Doc Ball and all the other past councilmen. It's a bit humbling." (Photo by Mark Stalcup)

Greene County Sheriff Terry Pierce, left, greets Linton Clerk-Treasurer Jack Shelton during the swearing in ceremonies Saturday at the Linton City Firehouse. In a tenure which began when Shelton stepped in for the final month of the term of the late Ron Sparks, the elected official's since served three terms and is entering his fourth, making him one of the longest-serving city officials and the longest lasting clerk-treasurer should he serve his full four year term. "If God gives me the longevity, I'll be the longest lasting clerk-treasurer there's ever been in Linton, I think," he said. (Photo by Mark Stalcup)