Newton County's new Board of Commissioners Chairman is positive about the future of the county and looking forward to working with the board as a team player. Keith Ellis was sworn-in as the new BOC Chairman by Probate Court Judge Henry Baker at a ceremony held in the historic courthouse on Dec. 20. With one hand raised and the other on his mother's Bible, backed by his wife Sherrie and his two daughters Courtney and Charity, Ellis took an oath of office to lead the citizens of the county.