UPDATED: Candidates take oaths of office in ceremony at the courthouse

Greene Superior Court Judge Dena Benham Martin (second from the right) took her oath of office on Tuesday morning. Greene Circuit Court Judge Erik Allen (at right) administered the oath while Martin placed her hand on the family Bible held by her husband, Dean. Looking on at left are the couple's two daughters, six-year-old Edan and three-year-old Ande. (Greene County Daily World/Nick Schneider) [Order this photo]

It was day for handshakes, hugs, posing for photographs and goodwill wishes.

The event is largely ceremonial and is not required to take office.

Thursday (Jan. 1), the job of each officeholder gets underway officially.

The oaths of office were administered to seven officials by Greene Circuit Judge Erik Allen.

Allen called the ceremony "a joyful occasion".

"It does have an official reason. Oaths will be signed which is required. It is very important document that will be filed with the appropriate government agency. A big part of it is ceremonial as well. Today is to celebrate accomplishments and look ahead to the challenges that will be coming and just celebrate the opportunities that we have for public service," Allen told the gathering in the packed Circuit Courtroom. "It is a fun informal event."

County officials who raised their right hands and affirmed to carry out their respective duties included: Superior Court Judge Dena Martin (R), Greene County Commissioners Steve Lindsey (D) and Kermit Holtsclaw (D), Greene County Councilmen at Large - Jerry Frye (R) and Rae Della Cravens (D), Greene County Treasurer Shelby Meurer (D) and Greene County Surveyor Ira 'Butch' Wright (R).

County Councilman at Large William 'Butch' Brown (D) did not participate in the ceremony, but he can still take office as planned by simply signing his oath of office affidavit and filing it with the clerk's office.

All the positions except Superior Court Judge are for four-year terms. Martin's term will span six years.

The field of elected officials includes two who won re-election on Nov. 4 -- Brown -- for a third term -- and Wright, for a second term.

Following the ceremony, officials, family friends and guests enjoyed light refreshments just outside the courtroom. Some of the newly-elected officials toured their offices and the court room where they will be working officially starting on Friday morning -- the first day the courthouse is open in the new year.