A standing room-only crowd filled Pembroke City Hall on Monday, when dozens of residents came to watch the newly elected city officials take office and honor former mayor Judy Cook for her 12 years of service.

After being sworn in, Mayor Mary Warnell presented Cook with the gavel she used while in office.

“I believe you have used this gavel for 144 regularly scheduled meetings,” Warnell said.

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnnie Miller also presented Cook with her photo to hang on the mayors’ wall in City Hall, and both thanked Cook for her dedication and service during her three terms as mayor.

Bryan County Probate Judge Sam Davis was on hand to swear in the mayor, as well as the newly elected council members, Kim McGhee and Ernest Hamilton, and re-elected council members, Miller, Tiffany Walraven and Diane Moore.

Warnell also offered a challenge to the council for their next four years of service.

“During the next few months, I charge you to join me and the department heads in clearly defining our city’s mission, developing an organizational chart for the city, developing a four-year action plan derived from goals and objectives that identify those steps necessary to be completed each year and that support a long-term plan that meets the needs of the city of Pembroke,” she said.

Warnell also told the council it is fundamental to establish a positive relationship with Bryan County government and the Development Authority of Bryan County to help business growth in the North Bryan town.

Read more in the Jan. 11 edition of the News.