After a long and historic race in Jackson County, Marsha Cascio-Hale, Christian Hale and Amy Wilson-Dallas were sworn into office on the morning of Nov. 27, 2024 at the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro, Illinois.

They were sworn in by Presiding Judge Christy W. Solverson, who gave some opening words to the crowd.

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“It really, truly, is my honor and privilege to preside over the installation of our newly elected county officials,” Solverson said. 

She also emphasized the importance of voting, which we saw in the historic tie between Cassio-Hale and Joseph Cerventez in the race for states attorney, where the tie breaker was decided by a mere 19 votes.

“We are here today because the citizens of Jackson County have exercised their constitutional right to vote,” Solverson said.

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First, Wilson-Dallas was sworn in as coroner. The coroner’s duties include working with law enforcement, determining causes of death, issuing death certificates, notifying next of kin, maintaining records, testifying in court or at trial and making recommendations to improve public health and safety. 

After an emotional oath, Wilson-Dallas thanked the crowd.

“I appreciate the support in the coming years,” Wilson-Dallas said. “I promise to do a great job on my duties every day to the best of my ability.”

Newly appointed circuit clerk Hale was sworn in using his grandmother’s Bible, held by his wife Cascio-Hale. The clerk of the circuit court is the official record keeper for the courts, the circuit clerk is an integral part of the entire county governmental process, and is endowed with certain authority to aid and promote the judicial process.

“I’m going to do my best for everybody,” Hale said, thanking the crowd. “If anyone needs anything, please don’t hesitate to talk to me.”

Newly elected state’s attorney Cascio-Hale was sworn in with a family Bible held by her son, her sister and husband. The state’s attorney is the chief prosecuting officer in the county. The state’s attorney has the exclusive and statutory responsibility for prosecuting violations of the criminal law of the state of Illinois, as well as many other regulatory laws of the state and the county, including traffic regulation, juvenile court matters and mental health hearings.

“And as my colleagues have said, we will do our very best,” Cascio-Hale said. “Our heart is here in Jackson County.”

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