Public officials, both new and experienced, were sworn into office last week at the courthouse by the Dawson County Probate Judge.

Jimmy Hamby was the newest face. He will serve as Dawson County’s District 3 commissioner beginning Jan. 1.

New terms begin for Dawson County Commissioner Gary Pichon and school board members Cecil Bennett and Will Wade; all of which were incumbents and ran unopposed during the July 20 primary election.

District 3 Commissioner Mike Connor did not qualify to seek re-election in the primary. Hamby won the seat by securing 54 percent of the vote, or 1,876 votes.

Hamby is a 57-year-old Dawson County native.

Pichon continues his second four-year term on the commission. Bennett has served on the school board for more than 20 years, while Wade has served nearly seven.

Probate Judge Jennifer Burt administered the oath of office at the courthouse Dec. 17, while dozens of family members, friends and officials listened.

“I want to thank you people for coming out today,” said Burt following the ceremony. “This is a very special day, and we’re looking forward to a great future.

“In Dawson County, we have so much to be proud of,” she continued. “It’s a great group of folks that work so graciously together, and we’re proud to have them here in our county.”