The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on Dec. 31 to administer oaths to newly elected officials and to select leadership for the next two years. Judge Landweber administered oaths and offered congratulatory remarks, saying the office is “one of the most difficult, but I believe from what I’ve seen, one of the most rewarding positions” for those elected.

Three elected officials were sworn in during the ceremony. The transcript identifies one newly elected official as Mike Waters; the oath text also renders that name as “Mike Walters” in the same proceedings. The transcript records the judge asking the official to raise a hand and repeat the oath, which the judge followed with praise for public service. Hank Peters and Jerry Helfen were also sworn in and received remarks from Judge Landweber about their service to the county. Terry Halpin, identified in the oath sequence, was commended for long service as clerk of the district court.

During the meeting the board followed its biennial rotation policy and nominated Mark Morris to serve as chairman for the next two years. The nomination was seconded and approved by voice vote. Chair and board members noted that, by resolution established about seven to eight years earlier, the chairman also serves as the rural county fire chief; the chair presented Morris with the fire chief’s badge following his election as chair. The transcript also records the county’s fire warden, Derek Yeager, and others present for the exchange.

The ceremony included brief photo opportunities and congratulations from commissioners and attendees. The judge, commissioners and newly sworn officials exchanged thanks and were photographed together before the meeting moved to routine business.