McGrath sworn is as Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge Tuesday

Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Mike Reed (L) swears in Karin McGrath (R). (Photo: Amanda Bridgman/Times-Union)

Karin McGrath was sworn in as judge of Kosciusko Superior Court I Tuesday by Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Mike Reed.

McGrath was chosen by Governor Eric Holcomb to fill the vacancy left by Superior Court I Judge David Cates’ passing in December from a heart attack. McGrath will serve six years and is the county’s first sitting female judge. Reed touched on that monumental note Tuesday, calling McGrath “imminently qualified” for the position.

McGrath and Reed both thanked Judge Pro Tem Karen Springer, who has filled the bench since Cates’ death. After she was sworn in, McGrath thanked her family and colleagues and said her heart is heavy that Cates is not here, and she wishes he was.