Published: June 02, 2009 09:36 pm      

Mitchell goes back in office; Dempsey named first woman of McCool

With tears in her eyes, Ophelia Mitchell was named mayor of Ethel once again on Tuesday night around 7:35 p.m.

Mitchell won with 121 votes, with opponents Michael Hughes claiming 15 votes and Tyrone Merritt receiving 25 votes.

Ethel's aldermen will be Diane Doty, Paul Stewart, Athony Barkesdale, Larry Morgan and Lydia Fair.

Mitchell said she was in a state of shock as she wiped tears from her eyes and thanked well-wishers.

"I am thankful for my supporters," she said.

She said she thanked God and knows that this is where she is suppose to be.

This will be her third term as mayor.

Just up the road in McCool, Alderman Terri Sims Dempsey was named McCool first woman mayor around 8:45 p.m.

Dempsey said she is proud to take on the role of mayor in her home town. Dempsey recieved 44 votes to challenger Bettie Ward's 17 votes.

She thanked the poll workers, family and friends, including her cousin who traveled from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Dempsey, who has served as an alderman for 18 years, said she will do her best for the small town of McCool.

Aldermen for McCool will be David Fancher, Mark Hill, Margie Rosamond, Billie J. Rowell and Savannah J. Russell.

These results are unofficial.