Friday morning, December 20, 2024, Bulloch County began its official swearing-in season with a brief but meaningful ceremony at the Judicial Annex. At 10 a.m., retiring Chief Judge of the Ogeechee Circuit Superior Courts, F. Gates Peed, administered the oath of office to Probate Judge Lorna DeLoach, who begins her next four-year term.
Following her swearing-in, Judge DeLoach took on the role of officiant, administering oaths to Superior Court Judges Lovett Bennett Jr. and Michael T. Muldrew, as well as Solicitor General Catherine Findley. All were re-elected without opposition, marking a continuation of their dedicated service to our community.
Although Superior Court Judge Ronald K. Thompson was also re-elected witout opposition, his swearing-in will take place in Effingham County, where he is formally assigned. Judge Peed, who is set to retire in just 11 days, concluded his tenure with this ceremonial act, symbolizing the transition of leadership within the local judiciary.
While this morning’s ceremony focused on judicial officials, the main swearing-in ceremony for Bulloch County’s newly elected and re-elected officials is just around the corner. On Monday, December 30, the historic Bulloch County Courthouse at 2 North Main Street will host a larger event at 10 a.m. Probate Judge Lorna DeLoach will again officiate, administering oaths to a broader group of county officials elected to serve from 2025 to 2028.
Among those taking the oath will be Commission Chairman-elect David Bennett, Commissioner-elect Nick Newkirk, and Coroner-elect Charles R. “Chuck” Francis. Re-elected officials including Sheriff Noel Brown and Commissioner Ray Mosley will also be sworn in.
Commissioner Ray Davis, who was sworn in earlier this year to complete the unexpired term of former Commissioner Curt Deal, will also reaffirm his oath for his new full term. Superior Court Judge-elect Matt Hube is also scheduled to take his oath also on December 30th at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom A, by Judge Gates Peed, in the Bulloch County Judicial Annex after the main ceremony. Judge Hube, who ran unopposed, will succeed Judge Peed on the Superior Court bench. Ogeechee Circuit District Attorney-elect Robert Busbee will be sworn in as well.
The December 30 ceremony will conclude with a reception for officials and their families in the Judicial Annex Jury Assembly Room across the street. This morning’s swearing-in marked the beginning of a transition period for Bulloch County, as these leaders prepare to step into their roles officially.
