Commission’s first meeting set for Jan. 13

Two of the Lawrence County Commissioners took the oath of office last week, as they prepare to begin their new terms in office on Monday.

DeAnna Holliday and Colton Copley were both re-elected in November 2024. The two serve on the commission, alongside fellow Republican Mike Finley, who is in his first term, after being elected in 2022.

Copley, who has served as commission president since 2024, took the oath on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at the courthouse, with it being administered by Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Christen Finley. His wife, Bethany, and their children were present for the ceremony.

Copley was appointed to the commission in 2018, filling the seat left vacant by the death of Bill Pratt. He was elected to a full term in 2020.

Holliday is beginning her third term and took the oath on Thursday, administered by Ironton Municipal Judge Kevin Waldo.

She was first elected in 2016, as a Democrat, but switched to the Republican party in 2019.

A group of friends, family and supporters turned out to the commission chambers for the event, where she took the oath, accompanied by her grandchildren, Skylar, Jett and Knox..

Holliday noted, that, between her time on the commission and serving on the Dawson-Bryant Board of Education, she has now completed 20 years of public service.

As for priorities for a new term, she said it is the same as when she started.

“The financial health of the county,” she said. “When we are strong financially, we can do all the other things.”

She said she also wants to focus on providing “Strong resources that enrich the lives of citizens.”

She offered the county’s veterans services and Department of Job and Family Services as examples of this approach.

She said it is also important for county government to work with all levels of public service, such as schools.

She pointed to the county’s work in bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to children. 

“The impact ripples from that one program,” she said.

Holliday said she also a “huge believer in strong community relationship,” and said she has made it a point of serving on many boards, such as a newly-created one that brings together leaders from across the Tri-State to focus on areas connected by the Ohio River.

The commission’s first meeting for the year is set for Monday, Jan. 13 at the courthouse.