By David Howell

The county’s newly elected District 1 Justice Court Judge Mike Wilson will take the oath Saturday at 2 p.m. at the James Appleton Justice Center in Sardis.

Supreme Court Justice George Carlson will administer the oath.

Wilson defeated Hal Johnson in the Nov. 23 runoff election, 2,326 votes to 1,231.

Wilson will fill the remaining 13 months of longtime judge James Appleton, who passed away in August, 2009.

Appleton was serving his 10th term as judge at the time of his death, making him the longest serving justice court judge in the state.

Supervisors appointed Appleton’s wife, Emily Appleton, a month after his death to fill the vacancy until the special election could be held.

Wilson formerly served as Sardis aldermen and as police chief there.