Stacy Wall of Tipp City was sworn in as the new county common pleas court judge by retired Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth Gutmann.
Wall was elected unopposed to the common pleas position being vacated by the retirement of Judge Christopher Gee of West Milton.
Altenburger was elected unopposed to complete the juvenile/probate court term of Judge William McGregor “Greg” Dixon of Troy, who chose to retire early.
The courthouse’s main third floor courtroom was filled to standing room only for the ceremonies that included the oaths and the judges donning their robes with the help of family members. Several judges and magistrates attended the ceremony presided over by Common Pleas Judge Jeannine Pratt.
Altenburger previously served as the chief magistrate in Miami County Common Pleas Court. He thanked his family, including wife, Kay, and others for their support. A magistrate for 28 years, Altenburger said his guiding principles were to be impartial and fair and to follow the Ohio Revised Code, along with the Ohio and U.S. Constitutions.
His goals in juvenile court will be accessibility, accountability and fiscal responsibility, Altenburger said.
“We want to make the court accessible to everyone. We’re there to help families, to get families through difficult times. The team Judge Dixon has put together is really great in helping me do that,” he said.
Wall previously served as Piqua’s law director. Wall thanked her family, including husband, Rich.
She said the support in the community has been unbelievable and it was overwhelming to see all those attending the ceremony.
“I am honored to be able to serve the citizens of Miami County,” Wall said.
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