Judges are sworn in

St. Joseph County’s two newest judges were sworn-in during a ceremonial program, called an investiture, Friday afternoon at the county courthouse.

With more than 100 people, including members of their families, witnessing the solemn process, Probate Court Judge David Tomlinson and Circuit Court Judge Rob Pattison took their oath of office, administered by Clerk Pattie Bender.

They will serve six-year terms and take over for retiring judges Tom Shumaker and William Welty. The situation marks the first time in recent memory two new judges joined the bench simultaneously in St. Joseph County.

Tomlinson and Pattison claimed their seats during the August primary election.