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March 5, 2025
Vol. 21, No. 25
John Mercer sworn in as district court judge Temporary closure pg. 5
“
John served the people of the 20th Judicial District well when I appointed him to serve his community last year. I'm glad he was willing to do so once again.” - Montana Governor Greg Gianforte
Lyme disease pg. 8
Sports pg. 16
By Summer Goddard Valley Journal
POLSON —Polson attorney John A. Mercer was sworn in as judge for department 2 of the 20th Judicial District Court of Montana last week. The swearing in ceremony was held in a packed courtroom on Feb. 26. Former District Court Judge Deborah Kim Christopher and current Judge Molly Owen welcomed Mercer
SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTO
Molly Owen, fellow judge for the 20th Judicial district, swears in John Mercer on Feb. 26.
back to the bench. Both described Mercer as a mentor with admirable character, intelligence and work ethic. “I don’t think it can be overstated how lucky our
community is to have you as judge,” Owen said. “I’m happy John’s taking his rightful place,” Christopher said. After being sworn in by Owen and robed by w w w.va l le yj our na l.net
Christopher, Mercer said he felt divinely called to the job. “Thank you from the bottom of my hear to everyone for being here,” he said. Per a press release from
Governor Gianforte’s office, Mercer graduated from the University of Montana in 1979 and the Northwestern University see page 2