New mayor takes reins

The city’s first African American mayor, Ralph Bennett, was sworn in by Justice of the Peace Richard Steptoe. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA ROGERS

TCNS staff

GROVETON — The May 22 meeting of the Groveton City Council was more significant than most, but not because of the agenda.

Ralph Bennett, formerly the city’s Mayor Pro Tem, and who served as interim mayor following the death of Byron Richards, was sworn in as the first African American mayor in Groveton and Trinity County.

Bennett, who was elected during the May 6 election replacing Tommy Walton, said it was a historical event for the county.

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Billy Jones was appointed to the council seat formerly filled by Bennett, and will serve 1 year, the balance of Bennett’s council term, and then face his own election.

Long-time Council Member Steven Casper was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem.

Additionally, re-elected Council Members Autumn Dial and Robert Smith were sworn in.

In related business, the council approved continuing compensation for council members, which is a discount on city services.