Superior Court 4 Judge Chris Kehler prepares for his first day in his newly appointed position.

KOSCIUSKO — Staff at the Kosciusko County Justice Building are learning about a new software program, while also welcoming Superior Court 4 Judge Chris Kehler to his first day on the job.

Kehler, who was appointed to the position on April 11 by Governor Eric Holcomb, started his first day as judge on Monday, July 1, with a full court docket of several types of cases, from civil collections to custody cases.

“It’s like the first day of school for a student,” said Kehler. “It’s very exciting.”

Kehler started his work for the day at 7 a.m., preparing himself for his first case as judge of the recently established Superior Court 4.

“I think it’ll take about two to three months to become more efficient at this,” said Kehler. “But this is the type of work I’ve been doing since ’87. I’m used to seeing these types of cases.”

Overall, Kehler said his first day went well.

“We’re making good progress,” said Kehler. “I’ve still got a lot to learn, and I have great staff to work with.”

All county offices in the justice building are also adjusting to Odyssey, a newly installed case management software program used by judges, clerks, attorneys and the public. According to www.in.gov, Odyssey is a web-based computer system that allows caseloads to be managed faster and more cost-effectively. The software also allows appropriate court information to be accessible online, reducing the need to go to the justice building in-person.

“Each court and their staff, along with the clerk’s staff, were trained [for Odyssey],” said Kosciusko County Clerk Ann Torpy. “It interfaces with the prosecutor’s office system, as well as some features with other offices.”

The Odyssey software program has been implemented in the Kosciusko County judicial system for two weeks.