Elected officials sworn-in
Berl Tiskus
Val Bell focuses on County Attorney Steve Eschenbacher, Detention Officer Lonnie Erickson, Justice of the Peace Randal Owens and her husband, Sheriff Don Bell, after the Lake County elected officials were sworn into office on Jan. 29.
Berl Tiskus
Lake County elected officials stand to be sworn-in.
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
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POLSON — Before a crowded courtroom, District Judge Deborah Kim Christopher administered the oath of office to Lake County elected officials on Dec. 29.
Sworn-in were Michelle Wood, Lake County Superintendent of Schools; Randal Owens, Lake County Justice of the Peace; Patti Duford Kugler, Lake County Treasurer; Paula Holle, Lake County Clerk and Recorder; Steve Eschenbacher, Lake County Attorney; Don Bell, Lake County Sheriff; Bill Barron, Lake County Commissioner; and James Manley, District Judge.
Groups of family members surrounded the officials after Christopher signed the paperwork.
Don Bell had many supporters, including grandchildren, who were on hand to see their grandpa sworn in as sheriff, snapping photos on their cell phones and posing with Bell.
Owens also had a grandchild in the crowd, his first. Although he said his is a very busy Justice of the Peace office, Owens said he was looking forward to getting to work. In his spare time, he’ll spend time with his granddaughter.
Eschenbacher’s grandson was on hand to see his “Papa.”
Manley said, “It was kind of a good feeling in that room.”
He thought many people were hopeful and excited. Manley added it was nice to see Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council Chair Ron Trahan and members Carole Lankford and Bing Matt present for Sheriff Bell’s swearing-in.
The new term began at one minute after midnight on Jan. 1.
