Beth Dixon took the oath of office Monday morning as Rowan County’s newest District Court judge.

Chief Superior Court Judge Larry G. Ford administered the oath in a crowded courtroom setting at the Rowan County Justice Center. The audience included many of Dixon’s family members, friends, attorneys, fellow District Court judges and court personnel.

Dixon’s husband, Glenn, held the Bible as his wife took the oath. Their four young children stood with them.

Later, Glenn Dixon helped his wife into her new judge’s robe.

In brief remarks, Dixon asked her court colleagues to bear with her during her “learning curve” on the new job.

Dixon replaces Anna Mills Wagoner, who resigned as chief District Court judge to become U.S. attorney for the Middle District in North Carolina.

Gov. Mike Easley appointed Dixon, a Republican, to replace Wagoner. Her first day in court will be Monday. Her legal experience has included prosecuting cases for the Rowan County district attorney’s office, a civil law practice and working with the local guardian ad litem program.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263 or mwineka@salisburypost.com .