Sweet to be sworn in Jan. 29

Wood River attorney Dean Sweet will be sworn in as Madison County's newest associate judge Jan. 29.

Sweet replaces Madison County Associate Judge Ralph Mendelsohn.

Mendelsohn retired in December after topping out his pension. He also wanted to seek work in the private sector as an arbitrator, he said in previous interviews.

Sweet beat out 13 other candidates to fill Mendelsohn's seat. He was voted in by the circuit judges of the Third Circuit.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Sweet has practiced law for more than 20 years. He had his own practice in Wood River and worked as an assistant state's attorney.

The swearing in will take place at 2 p.m. with a coffee and punch reception to follow immediately after.