Judge 
Terry 
Rickers sworn in

Judge Arthur A. Gamble presided over the swearing in ceremony Thursday afternoon of the Fifth Judicial District’s newest judge, long-time Newton attorney and Magistrate Terry Rickers. He was appointed Sept. 23 by Gov. Chet Culver to replace retiring judge Peter Keller.

Rickers graduated from Ar-We-Va High School in 1978, and received a BA in political science from Iowa State University in 1983. He got his law degree from the University of Nebraska, and joined the Iowa Bar Association in 1986. Since that time he has worked as an attorney in Newton, until his appointment as a magistrate judge in 2005.

At the ceremony, Rickers spoke of family and friends as the reason he was being honored with the judgeship.

“How did I receive the honor of being chosen for this position?” Rickers asked. “The reason is right here — through the love and devotion of my family and the tremendous support and encouragement of friends, family and colleagues. I look forward to administering justice without fear or favor or hope of reward. But that’s not entirely true. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than serving with the talented and experienced people in this room.”

Newton attorney Steve Holwerda was appointed to replace Rickers as magistrate judge.

John Jennings can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 425 or via e-mail at jjennings@newtondailynews.com.