District judge announces retirement

After nearly 24 years of serving the people of Lake and Sanders counties as a judge in the Twentieth Judicial District, Judge Deborah "Kim" Christopher has announced her retirement, effective April 5. Christopher first took the bench in 2000, becoming the first female judge to serve the Twentieth Judicial District.

Growing up in Polson, but with family ties to Sanders County through her mother's family, Christopher attended law school at the University of Montana, starting her legal career as an Airborne Captain in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. After concluding her military service, Christopher returned to Montana, first serving as a deputy county attorney in Cascade County, before returning to Polson. Originally settling into a private practice, Christopher was then elected as the first female county attorney in Lake County, noting in her letter of resignation that "it was so critical to me to do it right, so I did not wreck it for the next girl coming along in my path."

In her letter of resignation, Christopher acknowledged her reputation as a "tough judge," while also speaking toward remaining compassionate and the seriousness of being a District Court Judge. "Given the incredible power held by a district judge with people's lives, children, money, property and futures, the position always weighed heavily on me," Christopher stated. She also expressed her gratitude for the Supreme Court Justices, stating, "As you also know I didn't get it right all the time and I was always thankful to know if I got it wrong, there were seven Supreme Court Justices who would fix it."

Christopher was most proud of undertaking the creation of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program for Lake and Sanders Counties and the Flathead Reservation, alongside her judicial assistant at the time, Rose Bridenstine. "As a soldier, prosecutor, defense counsel, family law attorney, and District Judge, there was no greater need than to protect the children who came into our legal world. They are the only truly innocent people in the Courtroom and have the least ability to protect themselves," Christopher wrote.

Christopher has expressed her gratitude to the people she served and worked with. "I've had good people to work with throughout it all in Sanders County," Christopher said in a conversation with The Ledger.

Polson attorney Britt Cotter is running for Christopher's seat in Lake and Sanders counties this year.

Governor Greg Gianforte announced on Monday that applications and nominations are now being accepted by his office to appoint a temporary replacement to complete the remainder of Christopher's term, which expires December 31. In the interim, retired Judge Robert G. Olson has been called upon to assist with the law and motion calendar and on an as-needed basis until a replacement is chosen.