SIDNEY -- The Cheyenne County District Courtroom set the scene for new and returning elected officials to take office this morning.

Judge Derek Weimer conducted the swearing-in of elected officials today (January 5). Officials elected to office are: County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh, County Assessor Jordan Hajek, District Court Clerk Mindy Wiegand, County Commissioners Phil Sanders (District 3) and Darrell Johnson (District 2), County Treasurer Shelley Bowlin, County Attorney Paul Schaub and Sheriff Adam Frerichs.

"It's not often in my job i get to do something positive," Judge Weimer said.

He said entering public service is often done out of a calling, not the gratitude or compensation.

"It's a particularly valuable moment. My belief is this is a moment of solemnity, pride," he said.

He stressed the importance of the oath.

An oath is an important thing. It is a promise," he said.

The courtroom was filled with friends, family and co-workers witnessing officials starting or returning to their duties. Following the oath of office, a reception was held in the hallway and in the assessor's office.

In November, Hajek defeated incumbent Mel Keller 2,283 votes to 1,028, Schaub earned 2,518 votes unopposed, Fiegenschuh earned 2,869 votes unopposed, Wiegand earned 2,861 votes unopposed, Frerichs collected 3,114 unopposed, Bowlin had 2, 003 unopposed, Johnson had 702 votes unopposed and Sanders finished with 630 votes against write-in candidate James Popovich's 327.