By Betsy Finklea
The Town of Latta has a new municipal judge.
Janette Dupree of Latta took over the position on Monday and was sworn in on Tuesday morning as the new judge.
She replaces Judge Ernest Barrentine, who resigned to take over the position as the Town of Latta’s clerk/treasurer.
Dupree brings vast experience to her new position. She worked as a clerk in the Dillon County Magistrates Office for 10 years and five months serving all of the county judges so she is very familiar with the workings of a judge. She feels she brings something to the table having served as a clerk for so many years. Dupree said she still has much to learn, but she is up to the challenge. “I love what I do,” said Dupree.
Dupree said she loves being able to help people and that she is here to serve.
She said she never thought she would leave the Dillon County Magistrates Office, but that her former bosses were all proud and happy to see her take this position.
Dupree is married to Glenn Dupree. She has a daughter, Jessica Ann Davis; two step-daughters, Glenda Graves and Neiosa Dupree; and two grandchildren. She attends Bethlehem Baptist Church in Marion where she is active in the choir and YWA.
She loves music, reading, and cooking, and Mayor Nancy Brigman jokingly said Dupree started off on the right foot when she surprised her co-workers with chicken salad and cupcakes on the first day.
Dupree has been a resident of Latta for 13 years.