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Thursday, January 5, 2023 • 1 Dollar
Judge Alan D. Lancaster
Introducing Fifth Circuit Judge Alan D. Lancaster
Lancaster takes oath of office
BY TISH BUTTS
Editor and Publisher
publisher@winonatimes.com
Alan D. Lancaster is the new Fifth
Circuit Court District judge, following
his Tuesday swearing in at the
Montgomery County Courthouse.
Judge Joseph Loper swore in
Lancaster before a courtroom filled
with Lancaster’s family, friends, offi-
cials from the state, across
Montgomery County and the district.
“The office of judge dates back to
Biblical times, where we find in
Deuteronomy 16:18 that God instruct-
ed Moses, ‘You shall appoint judges
and officials throughout the tribe… to
make just decisions for the people.
That’s what this is all about, doing jus-
tice for the people,” said Loper. “Since
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www.carrollconservative.com
1880, if my calculations in history are
correct and from what I’ve seen, 19
people have served Circuit Judge in the
Fifth Circuit Court District. Today,
Devo becomes the 20th person to have
that title. As judge, I’ve had the pleas-
ure of serving alongside four different
individuals, and I’m looking forward to
serving alongside Lancaster.”
Loper went on to say, “Everything I
know about Lancaster tells me he has
the education, experience, intelligence,
training, temperament and humility to
be an outstanding judge. Devo, I just
want to say welcome to the fraternity.”
Lancaster ran for the Fifth Circuit
Court judge after Judge George
Mitchell’s death led to the seat’s being
vacant.
Mitchell’s daughter, Mandy Mitchell
Davis, spoke on behalf of her family
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Photo by Tish Butts
New town clerk
and herself in showing appreciation for
the prayers and acts of kindness shown
to the family after Mitchell’s death.
“Losing my father unexpectedly last
April left a huge void in our lives, but
I’m comforted to know that so many of
you felt the same way during this
time,” said Davis.
She said, like her father, she believes
Lancaster will uphold the duties of his
newly elected office with fairness,
integrity and respect.
“The qualities of a good judge as
noted by former Supreme Court Justice
Antonin Scalia in his book Scalia
Speaks are the following: First, a judge
must be, above all else, a servant of the
law,” said Davis.
See JUDGE Page A10
INDEX
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Vol. 158, No. 1
Qualifying
began Jan. 3
BY ANNA COBURN
Staff Writer
news@winonatimes.com
2023 is a big year for local office elections. The
offices of Sheriff, Chancery Clerk, Justice Court
Judges in District 1 and District 2, Constables in
District 1 and District 2, and all Supervisor seats will
be open for re-election, along with Election
Commissioners 2 and 4 in Carroll County.
According to Chancery Circuit Clerk Durward
Stanton, qualifying “[didn’t] start until Tuesday, Jan. 3,
and will be open until 5 p.m. on Feb. 1.”
Once candidates submit applications, they have to
“file a qualifying statement of intent swearing they
haven't been convicted of any felonies, and are verified
residents of their [district],” said Stanton.
Stanton said that both the Democratic and
Republican parties will have executive committee
meetings to review candidates and approve them for
primaries to be held on Aug. 8.
“Runoffs will be three weeks after the primary,”
Stanton continued.
Independent candidates will only be on the Nov. 7
ballot after going through the same verification process
by election commissioners.
According to Stanton, current supervisors will be
running for re-election with the exception of one.
“Rickie Corley will not be seeking re-election,” said
Stanton, “but I’m pretty sure the other supervisors will
be running again.” Corley was the Beat 5 supervisor.
Stanton said he already has received some inquiries
about qualifications.
BY TISH BUTTS
Editor and Publisher
publisher@winonatimes.com
The citizens of North Carrollton welcome their
first African American clerk to office.
Lendera Williams, 50, assumed her new position
on Jan. 1, however, she has been serving North
Carrollton as deputy clerk since the Board of
Aldermen authorized her employment during their
regular monthly meeting in November.
Williams fills a vacancy created by Glynnis Taylor
who retired on Dec. 31 after about 13 years in the
position, according to Mayor Ken Strachan.
Her work throughout the North Carrollton com-
munity through GeneraXtion made her a suitable
candidate for the position, Strachan said.
“She’s worked with the coat drive through
GeneraXtion. She has a good relationship with the
county and with the schools,” said Strachan. “The
Carroll County School [District] is here in this town.
She’s got a good relationship with them.”
See CLERK Page A3