With a motion and a unanimous vote, Vicksburg businessman Larry D. Prentiss has become Warren County’s newest public official.

“I want to talk to the people and get a feel for the district,” said Prentiss, 53, sworn in Monday as District 2 supervisor.

The owner of LD’s Catering Service, Restaurant and Lounge had never sought elective office, but joined about a dozen others in asking for the appointment by the county board. He will also be a candidate when voters cast ballots in less than four months, he said.

Prentiss was tapped for the post vacated by Michael Mayfield, who, after being elected three times to the county board, opted to seek the municipal post of North Ward alderman. Mayfield started his Vicksburg job on July 4.

As with other vacancies, supervisors followed a scripted process in accepting resumes and conducting interviews. Prentiss and businessman William H. Banks Jr. were finalists.

Banks did not say Monday whether he plans to seek the position on Nov. 8 when the district’s voters choose a person to serve the two years and two months that will remain on Mayfield’s term.

Candidates have a deadline of 60 days before the election to file qualifying papers with the Warren County Circuit Clerk’s office. The only requirements are they be at least 21 and registered voters in the district.

Prentiss took his oath of office from Warren County Justice Court Judge Richard Bradford and spent most of Monday’s meeting watching and listening.

District 2 is roughly the northwest part of the county, including Eagle Lake and along U.S. 61 North.