Carbon County conducted its annual swearing in ceremony of elected officer holders on Monday in the courthouse in Jim Thorpe.

The program included two judges taking the oath of office for 10-year terms after successful retention votes last November, as well as three row office holders taking the oath of office.

President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II began his third term as a judge in the Court of Common Pleas.

His colleague Judge Steven R. Serfass, who swore him in, said he is only the second judge in county history to serve a third term. The other was the late Judge John P. Lavelle.

Judge Joseph J. Matika was sworn in for his second, 10-year term, also by Serfass.

Serfass thanked both judges for their work for the county and said that is a pleasure for him to work with both in administering the law in the county. Nanovic express gratitude to those present. “It takes a lot of time and work but it is well worth it, “ Nanovic said of serving as a judge.

He also thanked his wife, Cindy, for her continued support over the years he has served on the bench.

Noting the long hours spent at the courthouse, he said, “I don’t thank her enough for the support she gives me and sacrifices.”

Serfass noted Matika’s work in establishing both a drug court and veterans court. He said the two courts help with those addicted to drugs and veterans who are going through hard times to get help. It is an alternative to prison time for some of the participants. He also said it helps people with mental health issues.

Matika noted when he began his first 10-year term he didn’t quite comprehend what all it would involve. He said the hours are long and workload heavy but said, “I wouldn’t change my life for a moment.”

Opening remarks

Chairman of the board of commissioners Wayne E. Nothstein opened the proceedings with remarks. He noted the work done during another “challenging year” due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic.

He said work has been completed on two major projects along Susquehanna Street to provide more office space for courthouse employees and court-related offices. He mentioned the remodeling and construction at the buildings known as the 76 and 44 Susquehanna Street.

Officeholders

Taking their oaths of office were three row office holders.

Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans Court Jean A. Papay began her second four-year term in that office.

Clerk of Courts Tyra L. Boni began a four-year term in that office. She won a special election two years ago to finish out the term of William C. McGinley, who retired prior to the conclusion of his term and was convicted of misappropriating funds from the office. Last November she won a full term of office.

Treasurer Kevin Zelienka was sworn in. He is a new office holder for the county winning the seat last November. Longtime Treasurer Ronald Sheehan, did not seek another term.

Surprise presentation

District Judge William Kissner, of Palmerton made a surprise presentation to his longtime office supervisor Gail Berger. Berger is retiring from that position and from the DJ office after 46 years of service in the county.

Kissner presented a certificate from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court noting Berger’s dedication of service.

The three county commissioners also presented Berger with a resolution they passed honoring her for her years of service to the county.

Father Christopher M. Zelonis, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lehighton, gave the invocation and benediction for the program.

Longtime Tipstaff Sandra Flanigan opened and closed the official court proceeding.