Swearing in and choosing leaders

As the first local government meetings of the year got underway this week, the elected officials leading the community acknowledged the changes and continuations to their governing bodies.

For the Green River City Council, two incumbent members and one newly elected member were sworn in at the start of the January 7 meeting. Current Council Members Sherry Bushman and Robert Berg, alongside new Council Member Jessica Maser, took the oath of office Tuesday night, led by Judge Jason Petri.

The council also held inner-council elections, with Council Member Mike Shutran elected as the council president and Council Member Robert Berg voted vice president. Shutran will take over the presidential position from Council Member Gary Killpack. During the meeting, Killpack shared that he has been facing personal battles with health problems recently. Killpack served as the council president for seven years.

The Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners also conducted a swearing-in ceremony for Commissioners Taylor Jones and Mary Thoman during their January 7 meeting. Thoman was re-elected to her position on the board, and Jones was officially elected to his position after initially being appointed by the board. The oath of office was conducted by Judge Richard Lavery.

The commissioners also elected the chairman to lead the board for the year. Commissioner Island Richards nominated Keaton West to continue as the chairman, and the commissioners voted unanimously to approve the decision. Chairman West thanked his fellow commissioners, saying he has enjoyed his role as chairman although it has been a learning curve, adding that being able to rely on the board members makes it possible.