The lobby of the Wythe County Circuit Court building was filled with congratulatory remarks and smiles on Dec. 21, 2011, as Constitutional Officers and Board of Supervisor members finished swearing in for their upcoming terms. Among those who took part in the ceremonies were three newly elected Board of Supervisors members and one re-elected Board of Supervisors member.

Gene Horney has taken part in the swearing in ceremony before; however, he noted this ceremony was different from the previous, small scale one he’d been involved with.

“It’s different because last time when I took the oath I just went in Hayden’s office, it was something simple,” said Horney. “This time they did something elaborate. It was kind of exciting.”

First-time supervisors Tim Reeves, Joe Hale and Artie Hall were equally enthusiastic of the ceremony. The three conceded it was not as much the oath that made them smile from ear-to-ear as it was what they knew would happen next.

“It was the anticipation of being able to go to work,” said Hale. “It was a part of the process to be legally sworn to do the right thing and to support the constitution not only of the United States but of the Commonwealth.”

“I’m very excited to begin the process,” said Hall. “It’s kind of like you’ve been waiting for a month and a half now.”

“We’ve been having meetings and orientations and such,” said Reeves, “and it’s just a great feeling and I’m ready to get started the first of the year.”

All four supervisors will begin their new terms on January 1, 2012, and will hold their seats until December 31, 2015. Each is ready to serve his district’s residents, both familiar and new.

“I took forward to the next four years. I hope I can continue to represent the people. That’s what we’re here for,” said Horney

“I’m really excited to serve the citizens of Wythe County and specifically the citizens of West Wytheville District. I can’t wait for January 1,” added Hall.

Constitutional officers who took part in the ceremony included Commissioner of Revenue, Deputy Commissioner of Revenue, County Treasurer,  Deputy Treasurers, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys. Members of the Wythe County School Board were also sworn in.