Hylla, Crowder sworn in as circuit judges

Madison County Circuit Judges Barbara Crowder and David Hylla were sworn into office Monday morning by Chief Judge Ann Callis before a standing room only crowd at the Madison County Courthouse.

In the general election Nov. 7 Crowder defeated fellow judge Jim Hackett while Hylla defeated former Judge Don Weber.

Crowder, who fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Judge George Moran Jr., said she was looking forward to her new position. She had previously presided over family cases as an associate judge the past eight years.

Crowder thanked her opponent for running a campaign on the issues which earned Hackett a standing ovation from everyone in the courtroom, including the other judges in the circuit.

"This is a very important day for me, it's a great day and I am truly honored," Hylla said when addressing the crowd that included Brad Lakin, Larry Hepler, Randy Gori, Charles Chapman, Jeff Hebrank, Paul Marks, Joe Whyte and Eric Jackstadt.

Hylla said it has been a life-long dream to become a judge.

He also wished Weber luck on the rest of his future. Weber was not in attendance.

Hylla promised to treat everyone with respect and expects the same in return.

"I will use my common sense and work to the best of my ability to help make a difference for others," Hylla said.

"Our job is to do for the people, that is how I will conduct myself," Hylla added.

Hylla will have the smallest docket for the time being, while Crowder will have a docket with more than 400 cases.