Judge Stephen Warning Retires

Hon. Judge Stephen M. Warning

Today, August 28, 2020, at 1:10 PM , Judge Stephen Warning adjourned court sine die for the last time of his distinguished career, concluding 23 years and 8 months on the Cowlitz County Superior Court Bench. His final docket lasted approximately 10 minutes.

At the conclusion of his docket, Judge Warning's spouse, Angie, assisted him with removing his judicial robe and replaced it with his well worn wood shop apron - the attire he plans on donning on a much more regular basis.

Judge Warning devoted his efforts while on the bench to advancing the interests of the Judicial Branch statewide, introducing novel ideas, like the Adult Drug Court, to address the needs of our county, and providing both an intellectual and ethical compass for the court system.

He provided leadership for the Courts at the State level, serving as President of the Superior Court Judges' Association (SCJA), Dean of the Washington State Judicial College, and interacting with the legislature on bills affecting Law, Justice and the Judiciary as Chair of the SCJA Legislative Committee..

Judge Warning's previously retired guide dog Chili will be retiring with him, presumably destined to spend some quality time warming up a throw rug in the wood shop!

Staff and family attended the short, informal ceremony at the Cowlitz County Jail Courtroom, and there were few dry eyes in the room.

His leadership, intellect, tenacity, humor and camaraderie will be greatly missed.

Congratulations on your Retirement!