Ann Powers
Editor

PALO PINTO – Palo Pinto County’s newly elected, and reelected, public officials kicked off 2025 with new and renewed commitments to serve area residents.

District Judge Michael Moore gave the oath of office to nine civil servants during a well-attended swearing-in ceremony at the County Courthouse in Palo Pinto, Jan 1. Moore emphasized they are part of “a new family, a courthouse family.”

“We work together all of the time,” Moore said. “You’re here because the county supports you. So you have a lot of people behind you.”

Approximately 130 family members, friends and supporters packed the 29^th Judicial District Courtroom to witness each public officer putting their left hand on the Holy Bible and raising their right.

Those sworn in on New Year’s Day include:

• District Attorney Jett Smith
• District Clerk Nathan Choate
• Sheriff JR Patterson
• County Tax Assessor-Collector Stacy Choate
• County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Richard Ralls
• County Commissioner, Precinct 3 James Pollock
• Constable, Precinct 1 Rodney Price
• Constable, Precinct 2 Marc Moon
• Constable, Precinct 3 Johnny McKee, Jr.

County Attorney Meagan Kostiha was sworn in later in the day by her father, Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Charlie “Coppy”  Hodgkins, Jr.

Kostiha’s daughter, Harper, held the Holy Bible for her mom during the family’s ceremony.

Kostiha was first appointed as the county attorney in 2019 after her predecessor, Jimmy Ashby, passed away. She was then elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024.

As the new DA, Jett Smith said he takes the voters’ confidence in him seriously and will work diligently to see justice prevail.

“I am humbled by the responsibility now placed on my shoulders as your new district attorney,” Smith said following his oath at the courthouse. “I ask for your support as we continue forward through these next four years to help make Palo Pinto County a better place.”

District Clerk Nathan Choate may be new to the job – but he has many years of experience in the legal field. He was joined by his wife, Kayla, while Judge Moore administered the oath of office.

The new sheriff in town noted his open-door policy and prioritized the public’s safety.

“We just pray for you all to stay with us,” JR Patterson said to the courtroom crowd. “Forgive us when we are not going in the right direction, but we have your best interest in mind and my door is always open to you.”

Stacy Choate begins her third term as the county’s tax assessor-collector. She first took office in 2017 and credits her father-in-law, Dick Choate, with much of her election success.

“He has helped me tremendously with all my campaigns,” she told the Palo Pinto Press. “I’m just always excited and so thankful to serve Palo Pinto County.”

Longtime Mineral Wells resident Richard Ralls took a seat on the commissioners court after a 37-year career with Randy’s Service Center. His spouse, Tina, joined him as he pledged to serve Palo Pinto County as the Precinct 1 Commissioner.

Following 31 years with the Texas Department of Transportation, James Pollock joined the county when he was appointed as the Precinct 3 Commissioner in April 2023. He went on to win his bid for the seat in the 2024 March 5^th Republican Primary. No Democrat ran for the position.

Court Coordinator Sherry Roberson held the bible for Pollock as he was sworn in. The commissioner’s wife was out of town.

Rodney Price’s tenure is synonymous with longevity. His wife of 39 years, Carol, joined him as he took his oath for his 21^st year as the Precinct 1 Constable. His law enforcement service spans 37 years.

Before his successful campaign for the Precinct 2 Constable job in 2009, Marc Moon worked in law enforcement and for the Brazos River Authority. Moon’s wife, County 911 Addressing Coordinator Jennifer Fabian, stood by his side as he renewed his oath on New Year’s Day.

Precinct 3 Constable Johnny McKee, Jr. has served in that role since March 2023. His wife, R.J., joined him at the courthouse while he was sworn into office, Jan. 1.

“I’m just very happy to have the job and very thankful to the people who supported me,” McKee said. “I love the job.”