The newest office holder in the Warren County courthouse swore in the most senior official in the building Friday as five people took oaths of office.
Circuit Clerk Jan Daigre swore in senior Circuit Judge Isadore Patrick, junior Circuit Judge M. James Chaney and Warren County Judge Johnny Price before a crowded circuit courtroom.
“I think it went very well, Daigre said. “I don’t really have anything to compare it to.”
Daigre, who won a special election to replace jailed former clerk Shelly Ashley-Palmertree took office Dec. 1. Patrick, who was unopposed in November, was first elected in a federally mandated special election in 1989.
“This is a very important process we do every four years. It’s always good to have citizens come see the process,” Patrick told the dozens of people gathered in the courtroom for the ceremony.
Patrick is the longest serving official in the courthouse, but Constables Glenn McKay and John Heggins, who patrol the county, serve civil papers and act as bailiffs for Warren County Justice Court, both took office in 1984.
Price, who was also unopposed is entering his fourth term, and after the ceremony, he paused to take a photograph with four high school students who came to watch the swearing-in.
“I do want you to know you need to be proud of your education. You get a great education in this community,” Price told the students.
Chaney defeated challenger Eddie Woods in November for a second full term. He was first appointed by Gov. Haley Barbour in 2009 to fill a vacancy left by the retirement of Frank Vollor.

Following the judicial swearing-in, Chancery Clerk Donna Hardy gave the oath of office to Central District Constable Troy Kimble defeated challenger Mario Grady in November, and he and Daigre will have to run for election again in 2015 to retain their offices.
After the ceremonies in circuit court, Hardy headed to the third floor of the courthouse where she swore in Chancellor Vicki Roach Barnes, who won unopposed in an election for a sixth term in office.
“I’m just looking forward to continuing to serve the people of the Ninth Chancery District,” Barnes said.