When Gail Hagerty became an assistant state's attorney in Burleigh County more than 23 years ago she never dreamed she would someday be the top judge of the district.

But the voters apparently noticed her hard work. She was elected state's attorney in 1983, county judge in 1986 and has been a South Central District judge since 1995.

When presiding judge Benny Graff announced he would retire Jan. 31, the seven other judges in the district turned to Hagerty. She was elected by them Wednesday to serve as presiding judge of the South Central Judicial District. Her term will begin Sunday.

"It was something I wanted to do," Hagerty said. "It will be a new challenge for me and I think I have the energy and interest to do it."

The duties of the three-year position include assigning and monitoring cases, handling personnel issues and running meetings of the judges. With the court administrator leaving a day after Hagerty takes over, her early duties will include helping to find a replacement and handling some court administrator work.

"I don't envy her in the next couple months without a court administrator," Graff said. "There's a lot of little things that have to be done."

Hagerty said she's ready for the challenge. She's watched Graff over the years and took over for him in his absence. And she said she's not afraid to call Graff at home if she has any questions.

"I think she's a perfect candidate. I'm really pleased," Graff said. "She gets along well with the other judges and they respect her."

The South Central Judicial District is based in Bismarck and covers Burleigh, Morton, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, Logan, McIntosh, McLean, Mercer, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties.

(Reach reporter Mike Albrecht at 250-8261 or cops@ndonline.com.)