Leon Gatewood was sworn in to office on Wednesday, Aug. 5. He replaced M.R. Bell as District 7 representative on the Anson County Board of Education after being selected at the board's meeting July 27.

Bell, 74, passed away Jan. 27 of natural causes. The school board considered three candidates and voted by paper ballot. The vote was not announced publicly nor were the names of the other two candidates for the seat.

Calls seeking more information on the vote and the candidates were referred to the Board of Education's attorney, Michael Flake, who refused comment.