New chief judges to start Aug. 1

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The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently appointed new chief judges for two judicial administrative districts.

The court announced May 19 that it had appointed Deputy Chief Judge and Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Dorow to lead District 3, which encompasses Jefferson, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties.

Dorow replaces Chief Judge Randy Koschnick of Jefferson County Circuit Court, who has been appointed to be Director of State Courts starting Aug. 1.

The court also appointed Deputy Chief Judge and Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Barbara Key to lead District 4, which consists of Calumet, Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Winnebago counties.

Key replaces Chief Judge Robert Wirtz of the Fond du Lac County Circuit Court. Wirtz has served three consecutive two-year terms, the most allowed for the position.

Both appointees will take their new positions starting Aug. 1.

The high court also reappointed the following chief judges:

• Chief Judge Maxine White of Milwaukee County Circuit Court was reappointed to lead District 1, which consists of Milwaukee County.
• Chief Judge James Daley of Rock County Circuit Court will continue leading District 5, which consists of Dane, Green, Lafayette and Rock counties.
• Chief Judge Robert VanDeHey of Grant County Circuit Court will continue to lead District 7, which consists of Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Richland, Trempealeau and Vernon counties.
• Chief Judge Scott Needham of St. Croix County Circuit Court was reappointed to lead District 10, which consists of Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer and Washburn counties.

Chief judges manage the flow of cases and meet to work on statewide administrative matters. Except in the First Judicial District, where the chief judge is a full-time administrator, chief judges have court calendars in addition to their administrative duties. Follow @erikastrebel