Criminal proceedings at Flathead District Court began in a much more jovial spirit than usual on Thursday.

As District Judge Katherine Curtis entered to the usual refrain of “all rise, District Court is now in session,” attorneys, probation officers and courtroom staffers chimed in with “the honorable, the sensible, the thorough, the intimidating, the incredible, the retiring and soon-to-be missed Judge Katherine Curtis.”

At the end, each popped a small confetti cracker, cheered and clapped, much to the bewilderment of those who were not aware it was the retiring judge’s last full day overseeing criminal court proceedings.

The joviality was not lost on Curtis, who responded by launching into a poem she had written to mark the occasion. In the nine-stanza ode to the court, she poked fun at the attorneys, the process and herself.

“You told them not to say a word, and that by a jury they will be heard. Their trial will be speedy and fair, and if they’re lucky, you will be there,” she said to the defense attorneys.

“And the [county attorney] will listen to all manner of reason. A misdemeanor? Oh sure, after all ’tis the season. It’s magical how two counts become one, such a bargain, how can this not be such fun?”

Curtis ended the poem by thanking the regular faces of the court:

“So, on Thursdays I’ll sing ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ while I really will miss this flock. Yes, it’s been quite a run, thanks one and all, you’ve made it fun.”

Curtis is retiring at the end of the year after 18 years on the bench. She will be replaced by attorney Robert Allison.

After the opening festivities, Curtis returned to business and dealt with 32 criminal cases.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.