Inauguration ceremony held Jan. 1
Van Zandt County’s elected officials were officially administered the oath of their respective offices during the 2019 Inauguration Ceremony held at the Van Zandt County Courthouse Jan. 1. Families, friends and dignitaries came to witness new judges being sworn in with a few familiar faces returning to their benches.
Amid a packed district courtroom, 13 VZC officials were administered the oath of office during the standing-room only event.
VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick welcomed those in attendance and introduced Mike Roberson, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Canton, who led the opening prayer. Judge Kirkpatrick also honored any veterans that were in the audience.
Ella and Taylor Cole led the pledge to the U.S. Flag and the pledge to the Texas Flag. Amy Crow Morris sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Pastor Roberson was also the special speaker for the event. Pastor Roberson delivered a speech on encouragement and remarked to officials, “your court is held accountable to a greater court; don’t forget that.”
Each official was then inducted into office. Chris Martin was administered the oath of office as the 294th District Judge by State Rep. Dan Flynn. Martin was formerly the VZC District Attorney. He took over the bench from longtime VZC District Judge Teresa Drum.
Joshua Wintters was administered the oath of office as the Van Zandt County Court at Law Judge by his wife, Ashley Wintters, who is a notary public. Wintters took the seat from incumbent Randy McDonald.
Don Kirkpatrick was administered the oath of office as the Van Zandt County Judge by VZC JP Pct. 4 Judge Scott Shinn. Kirkpatrick won re-election in March 2018 as he defeated Bill Blackmon.
Tonda Curry was administered the oath of office as the district attorney by Judge Chris Martin. Curry will serve as VZC District Attorney after Martin, the former VZC DA, was elected as district judge.
Wade McMillan was administered the oath of office as VZC JP Pct. 1 by Kirkpatrick.
Sandra Plaster was administered the oath of office as the VZC JP Pct. 2 Judge by Kirkpatrick. Plaster was the interim judge after former JP Pct. 2 Judge Ronnie Daniell stepped down from office. Plaster ran against a slew of opponents for the seat.
Herbert Dunn was administered the oath of office as the VZC Pct. 3 JP by Kirkpatrick.
Scott Shinn was administered the oath of office as the VZC Pct. 4 JP by Kirkpatrick.
Virgil Melton Jr. was administered the oath of office as VZC Commissioner Pct. 2 by Kirkpatrick.
Tim West was administered the oath of office as VZC Commissioner Pct. 4 by Kirkpatrick.
Karen Wilson was administered the oath of office as VZC District Clerk by her daughter, Taylor Wilson, who is a notary public.
Susan Strickland was administered the oath of office as VZC Clerk by Kirkpatrick. Former VZC Clerk Pam Pearson did not run for reelection.
Kenny Edwards was administered the oath of office as VZC Treasurer VZC Kirkpatrick. Former VZC Treasurer Terri Pruitt now works for the City of Canton.
After the inductions, a reception honoring the inducted officials was held with light refreshments.
