Erik Stone

ROGERS CITY –A formal investiture ceremony was conducted on Friday afternoon, marking the official beginning of Erik Stone’s tenure as Presque Isle County probate judge.

An investiture ceremony, whether for a university president, a girl scout, or the Prince of Wales, is the formal bestowing of a rank or office, a physical representation of the giving and accepting of something of significance.

In the simple but moving words of the ceremony, Stone accepted the responsibilities of the multifaceted position being vacated by retiring judge Don McLennan.

Stone, 65, received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1975 and earned his law degree from Wayne State University three years later. Stone has practiced law since that time, both as a partner at a firm in Detroit and as a sole practitioner in Rogers City, where he has worked exclusively since 1998.

Portraits of judges of the past supervised the scene from their frames on wood-paneled walls as McLennan rapped the gavel once, calling Stone forward to take the oath of office.

His wife, Meg, by his side, Stone rested his left hand on a Bible and raised his right hand, repeating words spoken earnestly in ceremonies across the country.

“I do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of judge of probate according to the best of my ability. So help me God.”

McLennan, who led the proceedings and administered the oath, shared words of encouragement with his successor.

“To do justice, that doesn’t mean that you do what might be the most popular thing,” McLennan said. “It means that you do the right thing, in accordance with the law.”

McLennan bequeathed to Stone a book entitled “The Judge’s Book,” given to him as he himself took the oath of office years ago. He shared a list of the qualities of a good judge, as outlined in the book.

“The judge not only has to be fair and open-minded; the judge has to be a teacher,” McLennan said. “A teacher in the sense of communicating what the law is and how to arrive at a conclusion that fits within the law. Then the system is working.”

Stone’s focus is on the future as he steps away from an election that many saw as contentious.

Stone’s opponent in the probate judge race, Katy Conklin, is an attorney who will contract with the county in family court cases. That role will sometimes bring her into Stone’s courtroom.

Conklin’s concerns regarding a misdemeanor conviction in Stone’s past led to a tense race for the probate judge seat. Each of the candidates challenged the other’s qualifications for the office in the weeks leading up to the election.

Despite the heated nature of the campaign, Conklin anticipates a professional and productive working relationship with Stone.

“This is not about a personal thing,” Conklin said. “This is about the system. And it’s the system that we need to uphold on a going-forward basis. I’m going to be more than supportive of him.”

Stone declined to comment on working with Conklin.

About 35 people were in attendance for the simple ceremony, held in the circuit courtroom at the county building in Rogers City. Before the oath was administered, audience members were invited to share comments.

“I think he’ll be wonderful,” said Marilyn Stone, the mother of the judge-elect, causing laughter in the courtroom.

County Prosecutor Ken Radzibon spoke directly to Stone, describing the nature of the office of judge.

“You’ll be able to use your heart as well as your head,” Radzibon said. “And you’ll do well with that.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Stone addressed audience members by name, expressing appreciation for those who helped him reach his goal.

“We ran a positive campaign, met the qualifications and needs of the community,” Stone said.

Stone kept his remaining remarks simple and to the point.

“Thank you for allowing me the honor of this office. I will faithfully abide by the oath I just took,” Stone said. “I really look forward to performing this job.”

Julie Riddle can be reached at 989-358-5693 or jriddle@thealpenanews.com.