Talaska sworn in as Probate Judge

By LARRY HOLCOMBE

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Bessemer - Anna Talaska was sworn in as Gogebic County Probate Judge Thursday afternoon at the courthouse in Bessemer. Gogebic County Circuit Court Judge Michael Pope presided over the investiture in a courtroom filled with Talaska's family, friends and colleagues.

From the bench, Pope welcomed the assembled to the a joyous occasion and spoke highly of Talaska's skills as an attorney and sense of justice.

County clerk Gerry Pelissero administer the oath of office.

Talaska's father and law partner, Jim McKenzie, presented her with her judicial robe and offered words of praise and encouragement for his daughter. He said he'd miss his law partner.

Retiring Probate Judge Joel Massie presented Talaska with a gavel. He, too, praised Talaska and wished her well.

He spoke about his early days of practicing law, also partnering with McKenzie, and remembered when their kids were small and their practices struggled. Now, one of those little children has been an attorney for 13 years, he said as he shook his head, as if to say "time sure flies."

Finally, Talaska addressed the room, thanking her family for their support, and her father and the judges for their kind words. She said she looked forward to the job and expected it to be hard work.

Specifically to her father, she thanked him for showing her what it is to be a good attorney, as well as what a good judge should be.

She also thanked those in the Probate Court office and others in the county court system who have been working on the transition with her becoming judge. In the end, she thanked the people of Gogebic County for entrusting her with the position.