A defense attorney in Caldwell County now has a new role serving as Division II District Judge in the 56th Judicial District. The investiture of Matt Schalk was held on the 3rd floor of the Caldwell County Courthouse Friday morning in a courtroom packed with family, friends, and colleagues from around the area.
Circuit Court Judge Jamus Redd was accompanied by Circuit Judge Natalie White, District Judge Brandon Knoth, and Schalk. Judge Redd presided over the investiture of Schalk who becomes the 8th District Judge for the 56th District Division II created in the late 1970s.
Before Schalk was administered the Oath, Christian County District Judge John Lindsey Adams, who is a friend and colleague of Schalk was asked to speak and told a few stories along with offering some words of advice about being a judge.
click to download audioJudge Redd then introduced some of the judges in attendance at the investiture: newly retired Circuit Judge Rene’ Williams of Union and Webster counties, Supreme Court Justice Shea Nickell, Appellate Judge with the Kentucky Court of Appeal Chris McNeill, and retired Circuit Judge C.A. “Woody” Woodall, III.
Prior to administering the Oath, Judge Redd said Judge Schalk has much experience in all areas of the district court.
click to download audioAfter Schalk was sworn-in, his wife Mary and his daughter Anna Catherine helped him with replacing his suit jacket with his judge’s robe. Schalk then stepped up to the podium and expressed his gratitude to several people in his life as well as those who have supported him on this journey. He also spoke about the role of serving as a judge and how much it means to him.
During a conversation with the News Edge, Schalk said this is a privilege and honor for him to be elected to serve as District Judge.
Judge Shalk also said his goal is to familiarize himself with this new position as quickly as possible and to be a fair judge.
click to download audioFollowing the ceremony, Judge Schalk, his family, and attendees made their way downstairs for a reception in the Fiscal Courtroom.
Schalk fills the seat vacated by District Judge Natalie White who was also sworn in Friday afternoon as the 56th Circuit Division II Judge.
Division II District Judge Matt Schalk’s investiture:
