Palubicki reflects on career path

RITZVILLE – K. Peter Palubicki was happy with his job as Adams County chief deputy prosecuting attorney, a position he'd held since 2017.

But on his wife's birthday last year, the 40-year-old learned that Superior Court Judge Steve Dixon was planning to retire.

"Only four people applied for the position," Palubicki said. "So, I had pretty good odds."

The process moved quickly.

On Thursday, Dec. 14, Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Palubicki to the bench and he took the oath of office Dec. 29.

"My family razzed me when they learned I'd gotten the appointment," he said. "They said, 'Your wig is in the...