MOUNT CARMEL - In a meeting room filled to capacity on Tuesday Mount Carmel's new mayor, Larry Frost, and aldermen Wanda Worley-Davidson, Paul Hale and Carl Wolfe, took the oath of office from State Representative Mike Harrison.




Prior to the swearing in, former Mayor Gary Lawson was honored with a plaque for his 12 years of service as mayor, presented by Police Chief Jeff Jackson.  A speech was also delivered by Lawson's wife of 41 years, Pauline.

"He always goes the extra mile to do what he thinks is best for those he cares about and, believe me, he's always cared about this town," she said.

As new business got underway, the board appointed Alderman Paul Hale as new vice mayor in a 5-2 vote over Alderman Leann DeBord.

Former aldermen Thomas Wheeler and Kathy Roberts chose not to seek reelection this term, but were also acknowledged on Tuesday for their service.  Roberts did not attend the meeting.

In other business, the new BMA approved a motion 5-1 in favor of authorizing Mayor Frost and City Recorder Marian Sandidge to sign checks for the town and make its bank transactions.  Alderman Worley-Davidson abstained from voting while Alderman DeBord gave the only "No" vote.

A reception followed the brief meeting.