COLUMBUS-Polk County made history Monday night when the youngest commissioner was sworn into office at the age of 22.

Jake Johnson (R) was the high-vote getter this year and was sworn into office along with Myron Yoder (R) and Tommy Melton (R). Melton was appointed the chairman unanimously by the board of five and Johnson was appointed vice-chair.

This is also likely the first time in Polk’s history that two commissioners are from Saluda with commissioner Shane Bradley and now Johnson on board.

Outgoing commissioners were given plaques during the meeting on Monday, Dec. 5 just prior to the new commissioners being sworn into office. The county recognized outgoing commissioners Keith Holbert and Michael Gage. Commissioners also presented a plaque to the late commissioner Tom Pack’s two sons, Eric and Timothy. Pack, 52, died while serving as chair of the board of commissioners on March 7 this year following an industrial accident.

Outgoing commissioner Ted Owens was appointed to fill the remainder of Pack’s term, which ended Monday night.

Owens said he’s always considered it a blessing and honor to serve the citizens of Polk County but this time was very hard for him as he was serving to fill the term of a close friend. Owens said Pack never wanted any special attention and that he was dedicated to his missions with a passion. He said under Pack’s leadership many things were accomplished.

Outgoing commissioner Holbert thanked the citizens of Polk County for allowing him to serve the last four years. He told the board it has been a pleasure to work with them and wished the oncoming members the best of luck.

Outgoing commissioner chair Gage also thanked the citizens of the county for allowing him the privilege to serve and thanked the board for the confidence of allowing him to be chair. Gage spoke to each commissioner, saying that he’d grown to respect commissioner Ray Gasperson, saying Owens was his mentor, that he learned more from Pack than from anyone, from Holbert he learned to say what you mean and he knows Bradley’s heart is with Polk County. To attorney Jana Berg, Gage said the county is blessed to have such a great attorney and that county manager Marche Pittman is an amazing manager and “wicked smart.” Gage also thanked county clerk Beth Ferhmann and the employees of the county.

Gage said the current board addressed a lot of things early on, speaking of the “Gang of Four.”

“We were able to take the abuse to accomplish the task,” said Gage. “That bond we will always have forever.”

To the new members, Gage said Melton has a lot of wisdom, that the county needs Yoder’s construction background more than ever with a new jail being built and it’s exciting to have someone young in Johnson. Gage said sometimes you have to look outside the box and he thinks that’s what Johnson is going to bring to the county.

Johnson first ran for commissioner when he was 19 years old but lost the election. He ran again this year and was the high vote-getter, winning five out of the county’s seven precincts.

Johnson thanked the citizens for electing him.

“It’s truly an honor to be sitting up here,” he said Monday night.

Yoder also thanked the citizens of Polk County for allowing him to watch over the county.

“I will always work hard,” Yoder said. “I will always tell you why I’m doing what I’m doing as much as I can. I look forward to working with the other four commissioners, the manager, the attorney and everybody involved.”

Melton recognized and thanked other elected officials and hospital board members for being at the full house meeting and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.