SCOTT COUNTY OFFICIALS TO TAKE OATHS SATURDAY

BENTON -- Four new Scott County officials will take over their offices Sunday, following a swearing-in ceremony Saturday at 1 p.m.

Eight county officials will join the ceremony at the courthouse in Benton after re-elections.

Circuit Judge Anthony Heckemeyer will raise his hand first for the oath of office, beginning a new six-year term.

County Clerk Bob Kielhofner will swear in Heckemeyer. The judge will then officiate at the ceremony for the rest of the officeholders, including Kielhofner, who will begin a four-year term as presiding commissioner after serving 24 years as county clerk.

Three officials beginning new jobs with four-year terms are Pam Glastetter, circuit court clerk; Rita Milam, county clerk; and Tom R. Dirnberger, recorder of deeds.

Glastetter and Milam, both of the Benton area, have been serving as deputies in their respective offices. Dirnberger, of Oran, has been involved in both farming and business.

Associate circuit court judges beginning new four-year terms are David C. Mann and David A. Dolan. Mann has served in his position for several years while Dolan has been a judge for two years.

County associate commissioner Joe Spalding of Benton will begin his fourth two-year term. Joining him as county associate commissioner from the southern part of Scott County is Walter Bizzell, starting his second term.

County prosecuting attorney Cristy Baker-Neel of Sikeston will begin a new four-year term. She was first appointed to the position by former Gov. John Ashcroft in January 1993, and won a re-election bid last August in the Democratic primary.

County Treasurer H.J. "Cotton" Holyfield of Sikeston will begin his fourth four-year term.

County collector Tom Marshall has been invited to participate in the ceremony. He has served as collector since February 1970. His new four-year term will begin March 1.