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your homegrown newspaper June 8, 2022
Vol. 18, No. 38
New district court judge selected By Kristi Niemeyer For the Valley Journal
Memorial Day pg. 9
Graduation pg. 12
Honoring pg. 20
LAKE COUNTY — When Molly Owen takes her oath of office June 20, her appointment as judge for the 20th Judicial District represents a generational shift. At 35, she’ll be one of the youngest judges ever appointed to the bench in Montana – a career move she describes as humbling, challenging, and “somewhat shocking.” “I’m extremely honored to be appointed by Gov. Gianforte and I’m looking forward to serving the citizens of Lake and Sanders counties,” she said in an interview last week. “I know as judge I’ll have a wide-ranging ability to effect positive change in the community and I’m excited to do that.” Owen replaces Judge Jim Manley, who retired June 1 after a decade on the bench. As a Millennial, Owen sees her youth as a plus. During the in-person interview she had May 26 in Helena with Gov.
Gianforte and Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, “I told the governor that if he does appoint me, he’s making a long-term investment in me because I see this as a career.” “I want to learn and grow in this position,” she said. “I’m young and very energetic and I’m looking forward to learning, developing, and being in this job for a long time.” Owen said her sitdown with the governor was far less intimidating than her interview May 19 with the 12-member local advisory committee, appointed this spring to make recommendations from the pool of four applicants. “Those are all people I’ve worked with, people I respect and see day to day. I did not want to mess up.” According to committee chair and prominent Polson attorney John Mercer, Owen brings several valuable qualities to the bench – including her youth, which “provides an opportunity for many years of experienced service.” see page 2
KRISTI NIEMEYER PHOTO
Newly appointed District Court Judge Molly Owen will be sworn in June 20, replacing Jim Manley, who retired June 1.
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