New Jack County Commissioner sworn in

Precinct 1 has a new commissioner.

John R. Berry was sworn in to fill Keith Umphress’ seat during a special meeting Monday morning. Judge Mitchell Davenport said that Berry will be in the position until November 2018 when he will have to run again. The winner of the November 2018 election will take office immediately and fill out the rest of Umphress’ term, which expires in November 2019.

Umphress resigned little more than a month ago in order to run for Davenport’s position when his term is up in November 2018. Davenport announced his retirement after more than 20 years as judge earlier this year.

A number of family, friends and Precinct 1 employees attended the swearing in in the county courtroom. Davenport welcomed Berry to the position and said the other commissioners and county staff will help him get started and down the right path. In a text Davenport said by state law, he can appoint someone to the position without the approval of the court. He made the decision on Berry last Tuesday, he said in a text.

To read the complete article, see the Dec. 8 edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.