Wetherell sworn in as judge

Before a courtroom that overflowed with well wishers, Mike Wetherell was sworn in as the newest Fourth District judge last Friday at the Elmore County courthouse.

A lawyer for over three decades and a city councilman in Boise for nearly 17 years, Wetherell had specifically requested the right to be sworn in at the courtroom in his "home" city and county.

With his wife, Karen, and his mother, Claire, looking on, along with most of the members of the extended Wetherell clan and a complete line-up of Fourth District judges, Wetherell donned his judicial robes and took the oath of office from Judge George Carey, whom he will be replacing. Carey is retiring.

Also present at the ceremony was the bulk of the Boise city council, and Boise Mayor Brent Coles, who spoke on Wetherell's behalf during the ceremonies, which were opened by Judge Cheri Copsey.

"You will become a great judge," Copsey told Wetherell. "You have the intellect and the temperament that make you well qualified."

Among the dignitaries present was Bethine Church, widow of the late Idaho senator, for whom Wetherell worked in his early career.

David Hyde, one of Wetherell's law practice partners, noted that "Mike's experience as a practicing attorney and a mediator will help a great deal," as he assumes his role as a district judge.

And his brother, Bob, said he would "always remember the gleam in mom's eye when she realized one of her attorney sons finally had regular employment."

Boise Mayor Brent Coles praised Wetherell for his leadership, calling him a leading member of the city council who consistently worked for progressive change.

He recalled when downtown Boise was failing, "but he believed in downtown Boise" and launched a program to sell bricks for $10 each for what would be The Grove. "Now, tens of thousands of people go into that grove... because of his vision and heart.

"He has served the city of Boise with dignity, and he will serve as a justice with great dignity."

Wetherell, himself, joked that while his mother might be happy that he finally had a full-time job, his wife, Karen, was "glad I finally have just one job."

He thanked the members of his family who were present, and noted those, his father, his sister Ellen and his brother Dennis, who had died prematurely and were not able to see the moment.

"This courthouse is filled with the ghosts of Wetherells," he said, noting his grandfather Cyrus, who founded Guaranty Title, began a long line of Wetherells who had worked in the courthouse.

"It is important to be sworn in here, to be with all the people who have been friends for all these years, and I deeply appreciate everyone who came.

"This is an extremely important day in my life," he said. "It is something I've wanted to do for a long time.

"I'll try to be the best judge I can," he promised. Following the ceremonies and remarks, a reception was held on the second floor of the courthouse.

Wetherell began his duties as a judge Monday, with a full case load.