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LANETT — A new member of the Lanett City Board of Education was sworn into office at the Monday meeting of the Lanett City Council. Myron Fears is now the representative for District 2 on the city school board. He succeeds the late Katie Walton, who died several weeks ago. 

When he was a child, Walton was one of his teachers in elementary school. They both had attended Mount Pisgah Baptist Church near LaFayette for many years. 

Fears has served as a deacon at the church for the better portion of the past three decades. 

He has also been a long-time educator in the Montgomery County School District. A talented musician, Fears played the keyboards at Monday’s Christmas tree lighting program that followed the council meeting.

At the council meeting, Fears was sworn into office by City Attorney Stanley Gray. His brother, Willie Fears, held the Bible.

Mayor Jamie Heard and members of the council congratulated Fears on accepting the appointment. They t0ok turns expressing confidence he would serve the school system well,

“I know Katie Walton is tearing up heaven right now because she knows she couldn’t have been succeeded by a better person,” Council Member Tamalita Autry said.

“Thank you for allowing the ceremony to take place here at city hall,” Fears said.

Lots of friends and family members filled the council chamber to witness the swearing in.

Fears joins a school board that includes School Board President Gwen Harris-Brooks, District 1, Johnny Wood, District 3; David Gagnon, District 4 and Gail Holley, District 5.

In other action on Monday, the council approved renewing a line of credit from AuburnBank. If it’s needed in 2025, it’s good up to any amount not to exceed $500,000.

The meeting took place at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned prior to the start of the 6 p.m. Christmas tree lighting ceremony.