High court chooses judges to lead judicial districts

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has appointed two new chief judges and reappointed two others to lead judicial districts in the state.

The justices have tapped Marinette County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Huber to lead the 9th Judicial District and Marinette County Circuit Court Judge James Morrison to lead the 8th Judicial Districts. Both will start in their new positions as chief judges on Aug. 1, according to a news release.

Huber replaces Vilas County Circuit Court Judge Neal “Chip” Nielsen, who is stepping down after serving two terms as chief judge. Nielsen remains on the Vilas County bench.

Morrison replaces Brown County Circuit Court Judge Donald Zuidmulder, who, on July 31, reached the end of the maximum of three terms a person can serve as chief judge. He will continue to serve on the Brown County bench.

The high court has also reappointed chief judges for Racine, Jefferson and Wood counties. Wood County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Potter will continue to head District 6, Racine County District Court Judge Allan “Pat” Torhorst continues as chief judge for District 2, and Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Randy Koschnick will continue to lead the 6th District.

The state has 10 judicial districts. Chief judges manage the flow of cases in a district and meet with other chief judges to work on state-wide administrative issues.