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Vol 24 No 2 HIGHLIGHTS REGULAR FEATURES: 3 Chief Judges appointed 10 Commission on Children, Families, 2 Retirements Summer 5 Law Day celebrated Courts marks 10th year 3 Obituaries 2016 6 PPAC Court Security Subcommittee 11 State Bar promotes public education 4 Awards reconvened 17 Treatment courts conference held 9 New faces 8 joins data-driven justice 18 Legal services funds designated 9 Wisconsin Connects initiative 21 Legislative study committees assigned 16 News and notes Justice Kelly takes seat on Supreme Court isconsin Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly was sworn into office by Chief Justice PatienceW Drake Roggensack during a brief ceremony in the Supreme Court Hearing Room on Aug. 10. Kelly was appointed by Gov. Scott Walker to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice David T. Prosser Jr. on July 31 (see related story). Kelly spoke briefly at the ceremony, which was attended by his family members, chambers’ staff a publication of the Wisconsin Judiciary and each of his fellow justices. Kelly said being sworn in as a justice in the hearing room marked the greatest day of his professional life, eclipsing his previous greatest day – being sworn in as a lawyer in the same room. Walker said in a press release that Kelly is an exceptionally accomplished trial and appellate attorney. Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack administers the Oath of Office to Justice Daniel Kelly in the Supreme Court Hearing Room on Aug. 10. see Kelly on page 13 Justice Prosser retires from Supreme Court hen Justice David T. Prosser impeachment inquiry. Jr. begins writing the next chapter of his life, he’s going In all, Prosser succeeded in 15 elections, including races for Wto have some material to work with, and experiences to draw the Supreme Court, the state Assembly and district attorney. from. While he hasn’t decided exactly how he’ll spend all his Prosser, who retired from the Court July 31, spent four see Prosser on page 2 decades in public service in three branches of state government, including 18 years as a justice. Prior to being appointed to the Court by then-Gov. Tommy G. Thompson in 1998, Prosser was a commissioner on the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission from 1997 to 1998. He served in the state Assembly from 1979 through 1996, including two years as Speaker and six years as Minority Leader. Before that, he served as Outagamie County district attorney. Early in his career, Prosser worked in Washington, D.C., first as an attorney-advisor in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Criminal Justice, then as administrative assistant to U.S. Rep. Harold Froehlich (Wis.), who was a member of the House The Supreme Court takes a moment to acknowledge Justice David T. Prosser Judiciary Committee during the Watergate Jr.’s retirement during an open administrative conference on June 21. Eight new circuit court judges appointed ov. Scott Walker appointed Assistant Attorney General Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Maria S. Lazar, a Clayton P. Kawski to the Dane County Circuit Court former assistant attorney general, said Kawski woud be an BranchG 12 bench effective Aug. 8. Kawski fills the vacancy asset to the bench. The Third Branch created by the retirement of Judge David T. Flanagan (see “In case after case, I have seen him show respect to Retirements on page 20). witnesses and opposing counsel while still standing strong as Kawski has served as an assistant attorney general since an advocate,” Lazar said. 2010, and is currently the deputy director of the office’s The vacancy that will be created by the upcoming retirement special litigation and appeal unit. He previously worked in of Dodge County Circuit Court Judge John R. Storck will be private practice, and as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice filled by Atty. Martin J. De Vries. Storck announced he will David T. Prosser Jr.. He holds a bachelor of business retire in October. administration from UW-Oshkosh and a law degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law. see New judges on page 14

www.wicourts.gov 2

Summer RETIREMENTS 2016 Editor’s note: Upcoming editions of The Third Bolgert was first elected in 1994, and

THE THIRD BRANCH Branch will include features on future retiring judges won re-election three times. He previously including Racine County Circuit Court Judge John worked in private practice and as law clerk S. Jude, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Amy R. for the Court of Appeals after he received Smith, Dodge County Circuit Court Judge John R. his law degree from UW Law School. Storck, Waupaca County Circuit Court Judge Philip Over the years, Bolgert said he enjoyed M. Kirk, Racine County Circuit Court Judge Gerald family cases, especially those with positive P. Ptacek, Vernon County Circuit Court Judge outcomes. He said he has great respect for Michael J. Rosborough and District IV Court of the grandparents who have stepped up in Appeals Judge Paul B. Higginbotham. these cases, and who are doing their best to take care of their grandchildren. He has Judge James J. Bolgert also felt respect for the criminal defendants Sheboygan County Circuit Court Judge James J. Bolgert who have appeared before him and have worked hard to turn their lives around. Although Sheboygan County Circuit Court Judge James J. “Remember, these people come from the same community Bolgert said he’s ready to retire, he said he will miss the as you,” Bolgert advised his successor. “They are entitled to sense of satisfaction from helping people resolve their respect. We all have a stake in the outcome.” He also conflicts and work on solutions. Bolgert retired from the advises new judges to remain fair, impartial and engaged, Branch 5 bench on July 31. see Retirements on page 15

Prosser continued from front page retirement hours, Prosser said he plans to use some of his insurance case that involved the pollution exclusion clause experience helping on committees, such as the recently and whether deteriorating lead paint was a pollutant. Prosser created Wisconsin Legislative Council Study Committee on said he was not yet familiar with the court’s procedures, and Access to Civil Legal Services. He’ll also continue his work after hearing the case, the Court went into closed conference on the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform to take a preliminary vote. The justices voted in order of State Laws to which he received a lifetime appointment last seniority, with the chief justice casting the first vote. When year, after more than it came time for his vote, the court was split three to three, 20 years of service to leaving him to cast the deciding vote. the group. “And lo and behold, when the poker chips were drawn, I The next chapter of got the case,” Prosser said of the process used by the Court his life also will likely to decide which justice is picked to write an opinion. “It was include writing some a major case, so that was my introduction to the Supreme chapters. Prosser said Court.” he plans to write about Prosser also recalled in that first year the court heard five art, government, and cases involving juror bias, which resulted in the justices law, and to perhaps do feeling the need to develop some doctrine on how to classify some traveling for and deal with different kinds of bias. research. He also has “This was a situation where the individual justices didn’t some ideas for a novel come to the issue with an agenda or a hard and fast view of – all of a political what the law should be. Justices were willing to listen to Justice David T. Prosser Jr. questions an nature, although he each other and discuss the issues collegially and attorney from the Supreme Court bench during hasn’t settled on a professionally,” Prosser said. By the end of his first term, oral arguments in 2002. Prosser retired on specific topic. the court produced four separate opinions with a coherent July 31. “Sometimes what policy on juror bias. “That collaborative process was, I seems like a ‘way out’ idea for a novel becomes outdated by think, one of my most satisfying experiences on the Court.” the ‘way out’ things that happen in society,” Prosser said. Prosser said a justice should respect the intelligence and Prosser’s experience having served in both the Legislature motivation of colleagues, as well as listen and try to reach and the state’s High Court has given him the rather unique the right result. He stressed the importance of open perspective of knowing what it’s like to be in the majority discussion and mutual respect, emphasizing that “the and the minority, both when it comes to creating laws in the institution is much bigger than any individual justice.” Legislature and interpreting laws as a member of the Prosser said he enjoyed hearing criminal cases, Supreme Court. particularly ones that involved constitutional issues based on “A person in the minority is often bolstered by the hope the Bill of Rights. But he was surprised to increasingly find that their view will someday become the majority view,” himself becoming interested in the insurance cases that were Prosser said. “Sometimes, it actually happens,” he added. argued before the court. Although he had a legal background and plenty of Prosser has worked over the years to improve experience as a legislator, the transition from legislator to relationships between justices and judges and legislators. He justice in 1998 was still a learning experience, and he was regularly participated in the new legislator orientation quickly put on the spot, he said. sessions, hosted by the Court every two years. He also The first case he heard while on the Court was an see Prosser on page 11 3

OBITUARIES Summer 2016 Judge Vivi L. Dilweg the Brown County Courthouse, which is now

considered one of the state’s architectural jewels. The ThiRD BRANCh Brown County Circuit Court She also worked with the Director of State Courts Former Brown County Circuit Court Judge Office to implement automated court dockets to Vivi L. Dilweg passed away on May 5 after a improve case processing. long battle with multiple sclerosis. She was a former member of the American Bar Dilweg was born in Belfast, Northern Association (ABA) Judicial Administration Ireland. She received her bachelor’s degree Division, State Bar Committee on Judiciary as a from Washington University and her law Co-Equal Branch, and the Judicial Council. She degree from the University of Texas Law was a former chair of the ABA Joint School. After receiving her law degree, she Subcommittee on Judicial Discipline and the accepted a position at a law firm in Green Bay Guardian ad Litem Training Rule Committee, and and worked in private practice from 1967-82. served as a vice chair of the ABA National During that time she also served as an Judge Vivi L. Dilweg Conference of State Trial Judges. She also instructor and later an assistant professor at published articles on judicial ethics, served as a faculty UW-Green Bay. She also served a term as president of the member for Judicial Education, and lectured at a variety of Brown County Bar Association, becoming the first woman programs for judges in Wisconsin and around the country. In to ever hold that position. 1994, she worked to develop codes of judicial ethics in the In 1982, she successfully ran for the Brown County former Soviet Union. Dilweg retired from the bench in Circuit Court Branch 2 bench, which made her the first 1999. woman judge in Brown County. Dilweg is survived by her husband, Gary; three children, During her time on the bench, she led the effort to restore Sean, Rory and Travis; and three grandchildren. n New chief judges, committee chair appointed he Wisconsin Supreme Court has appointed circuit court Morrison was appointed to the Marinette judges from Marathon and Marinette counties chief County bench in 2012 and elected to a six- judgesT of their respective judicial administrative districts in year term in 2013. He serves on the northeastern Wisconsin. The Court also re-appointed circuit Executive and Legislative Committees of the court judges from Racine, Jefferson and Wood counties to Judicial Conference and is former chair of continue as chief judges in their districts, and Chief Judge the Board of Bar Examiners. He previously Scott R. Needham, St. Croix County Circuit Court, was worked as an attorney in private practice. selected by his fellow chief judges as chair of the Morrison will replace outgoing Eight Committee of Chief Judges. District Chief Judge Donald R. Zuidmulder, Former Deputy Chief Judge Brown County Circuit Court. Zuidmulder Gregory B. Huber, Marathon served the maximum three two-year terms as County Circuit Court, and Judge chief judge. The Eighth District encompasses James A. Morrison, Marinette Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Oconto, Chief Judge James A. County Circuit Court, started Outagamie and Waupaca counties. Morrison two-year terms as the new chief Zuidmulder will continue serving on the judges of the Ninth and Eighth Brown County bench on which he has served since 1997. Judicial Administrative Districts, Each year, the Supreme Court appoints or re-appoints respectively, on Aug. 1. circuit court judges as needed to serve as administrative Huber was elected to the circuit chief judges in each of the state’s 10 judicial administrative court bench in 2004 and was re- districts. elected in 2010 and 2016. He had The Supreme Court re-appointed District Two Chief Judge Chief Judge Gregory B. served as deputy chief judge of Allan P. “Pat” Torhorst, Racine County Circuit Court; Huber the Ninth District since 2012. District Three Chief Judge Randy R. Before joining the court, he served as a state representative Koschnick, Jefferson County Circuit Court; from the 85th Assembly District in the Wausau area, from and District Six Chief Judge Gregory J. 1989 to 2004. From 1983 to 1988, he was an assistant Potter, Wood County Circuit Court to two- district attorney in Marathon County. year terms. Huber has served on the Legislative Committee of the Needham was selected by his fellow chief Wisconsin Judicial Conference and as co-chair of the Ninth judges to chair the Committee of Chief District’s Pro Se Committee. The Ninth District Judges, effective Aug. 1. The committee chair, encompasses Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, informally known as “the chief of the chiefs,” Marathon, Menominee, Oneida, Price, Shawano, Taylor and presides over approximately seven committee Vilas counties. meetings per year. Needham replaces Huber replaces outgoing Chief Judge Neal “Chip” A. outgoing committee chair Zuidmulder. Nielsen III, who is stepping down after serving two two- Needham was elected to the St. Croix Chief Judge Scott R. year terms as a chief judge. Nielsen remains on the Vilas County bench in 1994 and re-elected three Needham County bench on which he has served since 2003. see Chief judges on page 8 4

Summer AWARDS 2016 Judge Markson honored by ABOTA member of the Juvenile Jury Instruction Committee, and a

The ThiRD BRANCh Dane County Circuit Court Judge John W. Markson was faculty member of the Juvenile Law Institute and Judicial chosen the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Board of Conference. Trial Advocates’ (ABOTA) “Judge of the Year” at the The State Bar also honored former Milwaukee County group’s annual meeting on May 18. Circuit Court Judge Mel The award is given to members of the Wisconsin judiciary Flanagan with its Lifetime Jurist who consistently advance the interests of justice and the award on June 16. Flanagan dignity of the judicial process. served on the Branch 4 bench “Judge Markson comes to each case from 1993 until her retirement on after careful preparation and with a Jan. 23. healthy respect for the parties and “It was wonderful. I was very attorneys appearing before him,” touched,” Flanagan told the State ABOTA’s Wisconsin Chapter President Bar of the honor. “You’re saying Atty. Jim Jansen said. “He has a deep I had a good career, and that’s an knowledge and understanding of the law amazing thing to say to anybody. and constantly seeks to apply it fairly.” I take the award very seriously Markson has served on the Dane and it means a lot to me.” Judge Mel Flanagan County Circuit Court Branch 1 bench During her 23 years on the since 2007. He serves as an associate bench, Flanagan served as a dean of the Wisconsin Judicial College. deputy chief judge for the First Judicial District. She also Judge John W. Markson He has previously worked in private served on the Domestic Violence Court, as faculty and practice and as a law clerk for former Wisconsin Supreme associate dean of the Wisconsin Judicial College, and has Court Justice William G. Callow. Prior to taking the bench, been a member of the Judicial Conference Executive he was a long-time ABOTA member. Committee, Judicial Conference Directors, Criminal Jury Previous recipients of the “Judge of the Year” award Instruction Committee, International Association of Women include Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Richard J. Judges, National Association of Women Judges, Wisconsin Sankovitz, La Crosse County Circuit Court Judge Dale T. Judges Association, Milwaukee Judges Association, Pasell, Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge James R. Wisconsin Bar Association, Milwaukee Bar Association, and Kieffer, Sauk County Circuit Court Judge James Evenson, the Association for Women Lawyers. and St. Croix County Circuit Court Judge Scott R. Three days after retiring, Flanagan flew to Bosnia and Needham. Herzegovina, where she is working under a Fulbright Scholarship with the national courts on policy and procedures relating to domestic, sexual, and child abuse State Bar names ‘Judge of the Year,’ cases, as well as with United Nations Children’s Emergency Lifetime Jurist’ Fund (UNICEF) and law enforcement agencies, to develop The State Bar of Wisconsin has named Deptuy Chief procedures for handling child witnesses and victims. Judge Robert P. VanDeHey, Grant County Circuit Court, its “She is a true public servant whose dedication has had a 2016 Judge of the Year. The award, which was presented at tremendous impact on the lives of so many people in need the State Bar’s Annual Meeting and Conference in Green within our community,” one of Flanagan’s colleagues wrote Bay on June 16, honors a circuit court judge “who has in nominating her. improved the judicial system during the past year by his or her leadership in advancing the qualities of justice, judicial Veterans court honors Gasiorkiewicz education or innovative programs.” The Second Judicial District Veterans Court honored VanDeHey was honored for, among other things, his Racine County Circuit Court research and data analysis that corrected information Judge Eugene A. Gasiorkiewicz reported online and in print by Gannett with a Distinguished Service newspapers in Wisconsin. award at its June 7 graduation “He is and has been an excellent lawyer, ceremony in the Branch 5 exemplary trial judge and incomparable courtroom of the Racine County judicial colleague,” said one individual who Courthouse. The Second Judicial nominated him. “Judge VanDeHey does not District Veterans Court serves succumb to the passions of a particular case veterans in Kenosha, Racine and or a particular moment. He applies this Walworth counties with substance talent at every level of judicial work.” dependency and/or mental illness VanDeHey was first appointed to the who are charged with felony or Branch 1 bench in 1998. He previously misdemeanor non-violent Judge Eugene A. worked in private practice. He is currently criminal offenses. The treatment Gasiorkiewicz Deputy Chief Judge the deputy chief judge for the Seventh court has been in operation since Robert P. VanDeHey Judicial District, and serves as a member of November 2012. The graduation ceremony also recognized the Wisconsin Judicial Council. He has five program graduates. n served as the chair of the Probate Benchbook Committee, a in cooperation with the Dane County Bar County Association’sDane the with cooperation in trouble. in attorneys get can that issues addressed who Regulation, Lawyer of WeigelOfficeBill the of by comments Atty.and law; criminal to relates it as Scalia Court Justice Supreme Associate Antonin U.S. late the of legacy the about Klingele Cecelia Professor School Law UW by remarks reception; a at visitors greeted who Colás, B. Juan Judge presiding by remarks including Courthouse, County Dane the at activities of variety a offer to forces joined Library Law County Dane the and officials court County Dane truck. maintenance highway and car squad a of demonstrations and session answer and question Center,a Dispatch and Department Sheriff’s County courthouse. County Buffalo the in displayed were poster,which and essays their in shared students the from ideas creative and wonderful many were There contests. the for judges honorary the were Parent Arlene and Ebert Community.”Sandra Their in Change Positive a Make Can Students “How or Bully”, Buddy,a Not a “Be following: the between choice a was contests both for theme The contest. essay an enter to invited were students grade fifth the and contest, poster a enter to invited were students grade fourth The participate. to students grade fifth and fourth area invited staff her and Schlosser Roselle Court, Circuit Day.of Law Clerk celebrated agencies County Buffalo Branch celebrate Youthto opportunity Day.the Government took counties some and else, something or theme that on focus to whether decided community Each (1966). 436 U.S. (English and Spanish-speaking) who provided free pro free provided who Spanish-speaking) and (English Room. Hearing Court Supreme the of tour a and jurors, student featuring trial, mock community in Miranda v.Miranda in Arizona decision the of recognition Words”Than More in “Miranda: was Association the Bar American by designated as celebration activities. other among contest, essay an in compete or trials mock in participate session, in court observe officials, court with meet to invited were students counties, many In 1. May on Day Law celebrate to activities C Courthouse Committee Courthouse Courts and counties celebrate Law Day 2016 Day Law celebrate counties and Courts Robert Lopez, DCLL Librarian, organized several events several organizedDCLL Librarian, Lopez, Robert Bar circuit County Association, Dane the On 29, April Buffalo the of tours student included activities Other government county and County,Buffalostudents In local to reported activities some of list Here’sbrief a The Dane County Law Library hosted volunteer attorneys volunteer hosted Library Law County Dane The The theme for the 2016 the for theme The Wisconsinheld throughout ourts : 384 . Other public events included a included events public Other . James J. Bolgert’s courtroom at the Sheboygan County Courthouse. County Sheboygan the at courtroom Bolgert’s J. James Judge in activities Day Law during trial mock a in eye-witness an of role the on took Bradley Sheboygan. in School Elementary Cleveland from graders fifth with poses Bradley Grassl Rebecca Justice The ThirdThe years at the Manitowoc County Courthouse. This year,This Courthouse. County Manitowoc the at years 16 past the for held been have trials The District. School County Manitowoc the of graders second for Pigs Little Three WolfB.B. of v.trials mock the hosted County Manitowoc County Manitowoc P.Robert VanDeHey. and Day R. Craig judges Court Circuit before proceedings court observe to opportunity the had students activities, lives. their in role a plays and operates government county how on lessons condensed gave and duties, and roles their on insight provided officials Elected Center,Enforcement Law the and Building, Administrative 1993. since celebrated formally been has occasion the time first the – 13 April County Youthcelebrate on to Day partnered Government County Grant of officials elected and Legion American On 27-29, April Among Courthouse, County Grant the visited students school High the last week of April. week last the during held activities Day Law during courtroom his visit students as on looks Day R. Craig Judge Court Circuit County Grant Lancaster. in Courthouse County Grant the at students school high with courts the discusses MacDonald Tina Court Circuit of Clerk County Grant awareness and promote and awareness create to effort successful another marked year this activities, Day Law in part taking more dozens and assistance legal for in coming people 30 than Withforfeitures. more and orders protective to cases family and claims small from ranging topics on questions asked parties represented day.Self- the of most for consultations legal se Grant County Grant system. legal our about education see The Grant County Grant The Law Day Law on page 9 page on

The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 5 6

Summer 2016 PPAC subcommittee prompts renewed

The ThiRD BRANCh focus on courthouse security rule By Ann Olson, Office of Court Operations he Planning and Policy Advisory Committee (PPAC) important responsibilities of a local security committee, subcommittee on Courthouse Security reconvened in Bohren said. The form should be used to report any security MayT of 2016 to help assess and encourage the breach that threatens a person or property or disrupts the implementation of courthouse security measures under court or courthouse environment. Since adopting Form CS- Supreme Court Rule Chapter 68 (SCR 68). 265 in 2014, more than 170 security threats or incidents As recent events in Michigan demonstrate, there is no way have been reported to the Director’s Office, in 33 counties to predict when or where a courthouse incident may occur. across the state. There are, however, steps that can help provide a safe and Courthouse security committees also provide a forum for secure courthouse. discussing renovating and constructing new courthouse SCR 68 on Court Security, Facilities, and Staffing facilities. Although some judges in Wisconsin may lament establishes guidelines governing court security, courthouse the number of older court facilities, new construction is not construction and renovation. The rule was adopted in 2012. the only solution to improving courthouse security. There Although courthouse security is primarily a local are many improvements that can reduce potential security responsibility, all counties, regardless of size or budget, are breaches at little or no cost. responsible for taking active steps to assess and, if feasible, Securing exterior and interior courthouse doors, improve security. The most important step in this process is improving parking lot lighting, and installing duress alarms establishing a county-level courthouse security committee are all actions that can help improve security. If a county is that meets quarterly. updating phone or computer systems and will be installing SCR 68 provides detailed guidelines for the composition voice over internet protocol or internet protocol (VOIP or of these committees, which include the county’s presiding IP) phones, this could provide an opportunity to enable new circuit court judge, the county’s administrative leader (either phones to serve as duress alarms. Many IP phones can county executive, administrator or administrative trigger instant emergency notification and alert law coordinator), the clerk of circuit court, the county sheriff, enforcement to a potential threat or incident in progress. the district attorney, a representative from the state public “Local committees might be surprised to discover that defender, a court commissioner, a private bar lawyer, a small, sometimes inexpensive changes can have a representative of a victim-witness support organization, a substantial impact on making a courthouse more secure,” representative of the county’s facilities/maintenance Bohren said. “The first step is putting together a committee, department, and other members as appropriate. meeting regularly, and reviewing the requirements of The makeup of local security committees is intended to be Chapter 68,” he added. broad in order to take all aspects of courthouse security into Other subcommittee members include Columbia County consideration, said Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Circuit Court Judge Andrew W. Voigt, Third District Court Michael O. Bohren, who chairs the subcommittee. Administrator Michael Neimon, Fond du Lac County Court “By looking at everything from the safety of those directly Commissioner Sally-Anne Danner, Dane County Sheriff involved in court proceedings to everyday activities such as Deputy James Brigham, Racine County Building and how mail is delivered and which doors are open to the Facility Director Karl Jeske, and Office of Lawyer public, local committees can be extremely useful in Regulation Counsel and Municipal Judge Bill Weigel. The identifying and addressing potential security hazards,” subcommittee is staffed by Office of Court Operations Bohren said. Policy Analyst Ann Olson n SCR 68 charges local committees with several specific responsibilities, including developing policies relating to For more information regarding SCR 68 requirements, building access and annual safety training, among others. including security committee formation, how to report One of the committee’s additional duties is ensuring that security threats and incidents, and sample agendas for security threats and incidents are discussed and reported to quarterly meetings, contact Ann Olson in the Office of Court the Director of State Courts Office, using form CS-265, the Operations, [email protected] or a district court Wisconsin Court Security Threat and Incident Report. administrator. Reporting security threats and incidents is one of the most Child safety decision-making model implemented By Michelle Zaccard, Children’s Court Improvement Program n May 2014, the Wisconsin Commission on Children, disciplines, and implementing consistent child safety Families and the Courts convened the Child Safety practices across the state. IDecision-Making Subcommittee to make recommendations Some of the Subcommittee’s recent activities include related to the development of policy, resource materials, modifying and creating temporary physical custody circuit statutory changes, and training curricula related to child court forms, providing input on online training, and safety. This multi-disciplinary committee is comprised of developing the tools and protocols for implementing the state, county, and tribal representatives working in the child Child Safety Decision-Making Model. welfare and court systems. The Subcommittee is charged The Child Safety Decision-Making Model is intended to with educating child welfare, court, and legal professionals improve safety and reduce trauma to children by ensuring on child safety, creating a common language across see Child safety on page 7 7

Summer Fond du Lac County boosts guardianships 2016

efforts through communicaton, training The ThiRD BRANCh By Ardell M. Klaske Fond du Lac County Register in Probate ate in 2013, Fond du Lac County was experiencing to assist with the complex benefits program available to glitches in communication between entities integral to wards. successfulL guardianship cases. County departments Invitations and registration were distributed county-wide consisting of Aging and Disability Resource Center initially with a statewide follow up by the Wisconsin (ADRC); Corporation Counsel; Department of Community Guardianship Association. We recruited the former register Programs (DCP); Probate and a corporate guardian, in probate, a retired social worker from ADRC and three Corporate Guardians of Northeast Wisconsin (used in many board members from the National Alliance for the Mentally guardianship cases in our county) came together to form the Ill. More than 100 people attended. Fond du Lac County Guardianship Work Group. Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel spoke to the Collectively we found a workable solution to our issue, but group, emphasizing proposed changes with the state of in the process discovered we could benefit by continuing to Wisconsin in regard to the CMO’s and MCO’s, as well as meet quarterly, share, learn and improve the guardianship improvements Fond du Lac County has made for the benefit process for our residents. of our aging/disabled population. Prior to the fall of 2015, the Guardianship Work Group The session was well reviewed by attendees who provided brought in representatives of Lakeland Care and Community feedback as work continues. Care care management organizations (CMO/MCO) to “The event was a great opportunity for guardians to meet further streamline our process and procedures. The group other guardians in their area and the professionals that they developed an informational folder that is given to all will likely have to interact with” – Grace Knutson, guardians upon appointment by the court. The folder managing attorney, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging consists of general guardianship information, guardian of Resources person/property information and resources for guardians to “I am so very excited to attend the training you are access. providing for the community! I would suggest in the future, In November of 2015, planning began for our if resources allow, you make this a full day training to offer Guardianship Training Seminar. The work group extended an opportunity to attend all the break-out sessions. our core group to include two well-versed local attorneys in Honestly, I want to attend all of them.” – Atty. Brenda S. the guardianship arena. At this same time a representative Freeman, part-time elder law attorney-advocate. n from Fond du Lac County Economic Support came on board

Child safety continued from page 6 that decisions related to removal and placement are based on court observation, stakeholder surveys, and focus groups. a thorough assessment of child safety. The model will be Waukesha County became the first county to incorporate piloted in three counties in 2016, with the hope of future the model into practice. More than 150 stakeholders from expansion. As part of the model, the Children’s Court Waukesha County attended the child safety training in Improvement Program (CCIP) will provide each county February. CCIP recently provided Waukesha County with a with multi-disciplinary training on child safety decision- report of its initial findings. making at the beginning of the project, data collection at Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge William J. Domina multiple intervals during the project, implementation tools reported: “Consistent and effective application of the Child (including the newly created Temporary Physical Custody Safety Decision-Making Model insures that children are Request Supplement circuit court form), written reports, and more likely to wake up in the correct bed either through technical assistance. maintenance of the child in the home, removal of the child The Model itself follows the safety intervention standards from the home or return of the child to the home.” used by the Jackson County Wisconsin became the second Department of Model County and Children and participated in the Families and the child safety training American Bar in May. Data Association collection has publication, Child commenced and an Safety: A Guide for initial report will be Judges and provided to Jackson Attorneys. The data County by the end of collected will be used the summer. La to identify practice Crosse County has strengths and areas expressed interest in for improvement. becoming the third The data collection model county. n methods include More than 150 people attended child safety training sessions in Waukesha court file review, earlier this year. 8

Summer 2016 Milwaukee County selected for White House

The ThiRD BRANCh initiative on data-driven justice reform ilwaukee County has been selected as one of 67 local several communities, and helped stabilize families and governments nationwide to participate in the communities that have experienced trauma.” President’sM Data Driven Justice Initiative, which aims to According to Abele’s press release, the initiative will reduce incarceration by using data analysis to help reform support and expand Milwaukee County’s existing efforts in the justice system, said District One Chief Judge Maxine three key areas: White, Milwaukee County Circuit Court. • Creating or expanding real or near-real time local data The White House and Milwaukee County Executive Chris exchanges that combine justice, health, or other system Abele separately announced the news of Milwaukee County data, as appropriate and consistent with applicable legal being included in the project in press releases issued June see White House on page 22 30. White said the initiative combines public and private experts and resources from diverse areas, such as federal and state governments, technologists, data scientists, legal researchers, law enforcement, private corporations, health care and medical professionals. White chairs the Milwaukee Community Justice Council, which sought to be included in the project. “In short, as a member of this group, we have the opportunity to expand our problem-solving techniques to match the reach of problems encountered in our criminal justice system, which we all know go far beyond the criminal justice field,” White wrote in a message to her council colleagues after the announcement. Milwaukee County stands to benefit greatly by Chief Judge Maxine A. White, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, and participating in this initiative, even though many Mandy Potapenko, director of the Milwaukee Community Justice efforts, such as assessing mental health issues, are Council, visited The White House during June to discuss the county's selection to participate in a data-driven justice initiative announced by already underway, White said. President Barack Obama. “These strategies have reduced jail populations in

Chief judges continued from page 3 times to six-year terms. He is in his third term as chief judge of the Tenth Judicial Administrative District, which encompasses the northwestern part of the state, including Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer and Washburn counties. “This is a highly knowledgeable group of chief judges, and it is an honor to be selected to work with other chief judges on improving the administration of justice in the circuit courts. As a committee, we look forward to addressing the challenges that face the courts and seizing the opportunities that exist to improve and enhance the judicial system,” Needham said. Before his election to the bench, Needham worked as an attorney in private practice from 1978 to 1994. In 2010, he was chosen Judge of the Year by the American Board of Trial Advocates. Working as a team with a deputy chief judge and a professional court administrator, a chief judge manages the flow of cases and meets several times a year with other chief judges as a committee to work on administrative issues of Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley is sworn into office by now- retired Justice David T. Prosser Jr. on July 29 in the statewide importance. As needed, the chief judges convene Supreme Court Hearing Room. Bradley won election to a subcommittees to consider issues and problems facing the 10-year term on the Supreme Court April 5 after initially trial courts. With the exception of the First Judicial being appointed to the Court by Gov. Scott Walker last Administrative District, where the chief judge is a full-time year. administrator, chief judges and their deputies maintain court calendars in addition to handling administrative matters. n 9

WISCONSIN CONNECTS Summer 2016 n June, Door County Circuit Court Judge D.

Todd Ehlers and his wife, Cynthia, traveled THE THIRD BRANCH Ito Denmark to attend the wedding of their former foreign exchange student, Maja Rasmussen. During that stay, Maja, who is now a criminal prosecutor, arranged for Ehlers to tour Retten i Glostrup (the courthouse in Glostrup) just outside of Copenhagen, and to meet with Danish judicial and court officials. The Glostrup Judicial District is served by 36 legal judicial officers. The visit included sitting in on a criminal jury trial of a Danish national charged with terrorism offenses, lunch with 10 appointed legal judges and then a meeting with those same legal judges and a dozen deputy judges discussing the Danish courts and the n Left to right: Judge Lisbeth Larsen, Praesident (Presiding Judge at Retten i judicial system in Wisconsin. Glostrup); Door County Circuit Court Judge D. Todd Ehlers; Judge Anne Berg; and Lay Judge Karen Moestrup Jensen.

NEW FACES Louis Moore Christopher B. Schellinger District Court Administrator Payroll and Benefits Specialist Louis Moore has been named the Christopher B. Schellinger joins the court system as the new District Court Administrator in new payroll and benefits specialist. Shellinger most the Second Judicial Administrative recently worked in several roles at the state Department of District comprised of Racine, Corrections since 2012. He started with the state at New Walworth, and Kenosha counties. Lisbon Correctional Institution as the office operations Moore previously served 10 years associate for the education department before becoming a as a court executive officer in New program assistant for the security department. In early Mexico, where he served on 2014 he transferred to Columbia Correctional Institution as numerous statewide committees. the warden’s secretary, then moved to Human Resources Previously, Moore spent over a to become the payroll and benefits specialist. He decade in hospital administration. previously worked at his father’s business in the town of He holds a bachelor of Business Fennimore, where he wore multiple hats as the bookkeeper, Administration and a Juris Louis Moore office manager, IT person, and sales representative. Doctorate from the University of Shellinger holds a Bachelor of Arts in Socials Sciences Memphis. Moore and his wife Donna purchased a home in from UW-Platteville. He’s an avid cyclist and also enjoying the village of Caledonia. hiking, geocaching, kayaking, photography, technology, and Moore fills the vacancy created by Theresa Owens’ move history. n to serve as District Five court administrator. Owens took over the position from Gail Richardson, who retired in February (see The Third Branch fall 2015).

Law Day continued from page 5 more than 800 children participated in the trials. elementary school students from Jefferson Elementary, Prior to the trial, Circuit Court Judge Mark R. Rohrer Cleveland Elementary, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic explained legal proceedings and procedures. School and James Madison Elementary schools. During the trial, the students are asked to determine, after Each tour consisted of a mock trial, jail tour and law- hearing all of the evidence, whether or not the wolf is guilty. making exercise. Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley attended Actors portrayed the wolf and the pigs. as a special guest, performing as the eye-witness in one of Students played the roles of the victim, defendant, District the mock trials. Attorney, Defense Attorney, Circuit Judge, Clerk, Officer, A luncheon was held at the John Michael Kohler Arts and witnesses. Other students served in the very important Center Cafe attended by local lawyers, legislators, judges role of juror. The Big Bad Wolf was found guilty in one and law enforcement officers. Sheboygan County Sheriff jury trial and not guilty in two jury trials. Todd Priebe received the Law Day Volunteer of the Year award. Atty. Rick Esenberg presented a program at the Sheboygan County center entitled “Liberty and the Constitution” at the In Sheboygan County, courthouse tours were offered for invitation of the Sheboygan County Bar Association. n 10

Summer 2016 Judge Kirk’s outreach effort connects

The ThiRD BRANCh with 37 Badger Boys State classes By Judge Philip M. Kirk, Waupaca County Circuit Court hen I was asked in 1979 to speak at Badger Boys students and me. State, I knew my father was the culprit. Before that Badger Boys State, held at Ripon College (Badger Girls Wyear, he was Commander of the American Legion’s Alonzo State is now held at UW-Oshkosh), is a week-long seminar Cudworth Post No. 23 in Milwaukee. He was also close for high school students to learn about state and local friends with the officers and staff when the state’s Legion governments. headquarters was in Milwaukee. Because I was an assistant district attorney in Waupaca in Thirty-seven years later, with the end of my term as a 1979, I began my annual presentations talking about the circuit court judge next year, the call for me to make the duties of a district attorney. A few years after I took the annual speech will end, too. While I will miss the bench in May 1981, I began speaking about the duties of a opportunity in the future, now is a good time to reflect on circuit court judge. the experience and the value it presented for both the The young men I’ve seen pass through Boys State have been intelligent, inquisitive, and respectful, and, notwithstanding their youthfulness, collegial. I saw it every year by their behavior. The predicate I preached for success at any professional level is common sense. When you filter academic excellence through common sense, professional success is the result. They got it! But my real reward from my Boys State experience is what I learned. Regardless of illustration, not a single year passed when I didn’t say to myself, “WOW! These young men displayed a developed conscience that elevated ethical and moral clarity.” Energy and vitality were not anathema to maturity and composure. While it is tempting to maunder, I think the best analogy I can make about how special my time and experience was at Badger Boys State is Waupaca County Circuit Court Judge Philip M. Kirk addresses a group this: I believe when I retire, I’ll leave as Wisconsin’s of boys attending Badger Boys state at Ripon College on June 16. Kirk most senior trial judge. As much as I’ve enjoyed my has presented a speech to the group annually for the last 37 years. career, this quietly fulfilling 37 years will be hard to This year marked his last speech to the group, said Kirk, who plans to eclipse. n retire from the bench next year. Wisconsin Commission on Children, Families and the Courts marks tenth year By Bridget Bauman, Children’s Court Improvement Program he Wisconsin Commission on Children, Families and the Courts is marking its 10th year of working to Timprove the processing of child abuse and neglect cases in the court system. The commission’s first meeting was held on June 1, 2007; its most recent meeting was held June 9 and addressed a variety of topics, including human trafficking, juvenile justice, training and legislation. The commission, chaired by Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack, with Judge Marshall Bertram Murray serving as co-chair, fulfills the statewide, multidisciplinary task force requirement for the federally funded Children’s Court Improvement program. The Commission is charged with developing and institutionalizing meaningful collaboration across systems Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake to identify and address barriers to safety, permanency, and Roggensack, second from right, attended a meeting of the child and family well-being at the state and local levels. Wisconsin Commission on Children, Families and the Courts held June 9. Also at the meeting were Waukesha County Circuit The commission currently consists of two members of the Court Judge William J. Domina, who serves on the committee, Supreme Court, several circuit court judges, the director of state Department of Children and Families Secretary Eloise Anderson, and Children’s Court Improvement Program Director see Commission on page 26 Bridget Bauman. advance the cause of justice.” of cause the advance and laws our under guaranteed rights protect to attempt bar and bench how of understanding better a communities Vegas’Judy,’Wisconsinin ‘Judge people or give they but Las ‘CSI: of reach wide the limit not will presentations “These added. 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The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 11 12

Summer 2016 STOP Grant supports training for handling of

The ThiRD BRANCh sex trafficking cases, other projects By Amber Peterson, Office of Court Operations he Director of State Courts Office began its new will include an overview of domestic abuse, child abuse, Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors (STOP) Grant individual at risk, and harassment restraining orders, steps Tcycle on June 1, with plans already underway for judicial for how to properly process these filings, including firearms district trainings on domestic sex trafficking, along with a and confidentiality requirements, and how to provide legal number of other projects aimed at improving the court information to petitioners without providing legal advice. system’s response to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking cases. The STOP Formula Grant is National training opportunities for judges and court awarded to courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim commissioners on domestic violence service providers to develop and strengthen effective In addition, STOP grant funds will continue to be used to strategies to combat violent crimes against women, provide opportunities for judges and court commissioners to including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human attend national domestic violence training provided by the trafficking. National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence, which are typically provided three or four times a year. Judges or Judicial administrative district trainings on domestic sex court commissioners interested in attending the Enhancing trafficking Judicial Skills in Domestic Violence Cases or the Judicial administrative district trainings designed to Continuing Judicial Skills in Domestic Violence Cases inform judicial decision-making in cases involving human workshops should contact their district court administrator trafficking of minors and adults will be offered in August and ask to be placed on the waiting list. and October in six different locations throughout Wisconsin. The Office of Court Operations and the Children’s Court Training for court interpreters on domestic violence and Improvement Program are offering the training. sexual assault The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Building off the success of past trainings, the Office of Judges and the Center for Court Innovation (CCI) developed Court Operations will once again use STOP grant funds to the training curriculum, which was specifically tailored for offer two regional trainings in the spring of 2017 for court Wisconsin. Faculty members include national experts on interpreters on interpreting in domestic violence and sexual human trafficking: Judge John J. Romero, Presiding assault cases. Because these cases present unique Children’s Court Judge, New Mexico; Judge challenges for court interpreters, it is important that Robyn Millenacker, Ramsey County (Minnesota); and interpreters understand the dynamics of domestic and sexual Miriam Goodman, staff member of The Center for Court violence, as well as the effect of secondary trauma, in order Innovation (CCI). to best serve litigants and the court system. For more Judges attending this training will learn valuable skills information regarding these trainings, contact Court that will help them recognize the prevalence and impact of Interpreter Program Manager Carmel Capati domestic sex trafficking, identify adult and minor victims, ([email protected]). and understand the techniques used to maintain power and control over the victims. Judges will also have a chance to Sexual assault judicial bench cards hear about strategies for exercising their judicial leadership To assist judges and court commissioners hearing sexual to improve outcomes for victims of trafficking and will assault cases, the STOP Grant Advisory Committee learn about effective assessments, treatment, and services appointed a workgroup to create sexual assault bench cards, that are culturally-responsive and trauma-informed. similar to the domestic violence bench cards for court The trainings will be held: officials that were released in 2012 and updated in 2014. • Aug.16: Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells The workgroup met this spring to identify bench card topics • Aug. 17: Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton that will include sexual assault myths, pretrial issues, • Aug. 18: Country Springs Hotel, Pewaukee evidentiary issues, sentencing considerations, and sex • Oct. 3: Heartwood Conference Center and Retreat, trafficking. Trego • Oct. 5: Grand Lodge Resort, Rothschild Resource for Guardians ad Litem (GAL) working in • Oct. 6: House on the Rock Resort, Spring Green family cases with domestic violence Registration is open to all circuit court and tribal court STOP grant funds this year will also be used to print and judges. Those interested in registering for the training distribute a new resource developed by a subcommittee of should contact their district court administrator for details. the Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse, with input from Court commissioners wishing to attend should also contact the STOP Grant Advisory Committee. The resource, titled their district court administrator. “Domestic Abuse Guidebook for Wisconsin Guardians ad Litem: Addressing Custody, Placement, and Safety Issues,” Online training for clerks of court and staff on is a comprehensive tool for GALs working in family cases processing restraining order cases where domestic violence is present. The guidebook Another innovative project being undertaken as part of the provides a four-step framework for how GALs can identify STOP grant involves development of online training for whether there is domestic violence in a particular case, clerks of court and staff on processing restraining orders. present the findings to the court, and make informed This project, being done in partnership with UW-Madison’s recommendations that account for the abuse and promote Division of Information Technology (DoIT), will be a self- the safety of the victim and child(ren). Once the guidebook directed, interactive resource that clerks of court can use to educate both new and experienced staff. Training topics see STOP on page 13 13

District 10 judges find bond as firefighters Summer 2016 t the May 26 District 10 meeting in Hudson, Barron assistant chief.

County Circuit Court Judge J. Michael Bitney Bitney said it was difficult to leave the SFD because of The ThiRD BRANCh presentedA St. Croix County Circuit Court Judge Edward F. the close bond he had developed over the years with his Vlack III with a plaque honoring Vlack’s service as a fellow firefighters, both in and out of his department. Bitney volunteer firefighter with the River Falls Fire Department. said it is a bond that firefighters refer to as a “brotherhood.” Bitney said he personally wanted to honor Vlack not only “When I arrived at my first Judicial College in the fall of for his service to the community, but 2013, I was nervous and wondered if I also for the support and friendship he had what it took to be a good judge,” has shown Bitney over the past three Bitney recalled. “It was there that I years. Bitney, a former firefighter, said met Judge Ed Vlack. When we talked he has felt a bond with Vlack since he I told Ed about my background and took the bench in 2013. that I’d been a volunteer fireman with Bitney served as a volunteer for the the SFD. I told Ed how difficult it was Spooner Fire Department (SFD) from to leave such a great bunch of guys to 2002 until he resigned in 2013 to take pursue a career on the bench. To my the Barron County Circuit Court surprise, Ed said that he too was a Branch 2 bench. fireman and was currently an assistant “I decided to become a fireman, in chief on the River Falls Fire part, after being moved by the events of Department. We had an instant 9/11,” Bitney said. “I was touched by connection. I’ll never forget Ed telling the bravery and sacrifice of the New me that he considered me a brother. He York Fire Department and other first assured me that I’d do fine as a judge responders, when terrorists took down and said if I ever had any questions or the Twin Towers in on needed any help to just give him a 9/11. I wanted to give back to my Barron County Circuit Court Judge J. call. True to his word, Ed answered community.” Michael Bitney presents fellow judge and my many questions at that Judicial Vlack said he also felt a call to serve volunteer firefighter St. Croix Circuit Court College and has continued to be a the community when he first joined the Judge Edward F. Vlack III with a plaque to valuable source of inspiration and honor his years of service as a firefighter, River Falls Fire Department in 2000. as well as support and friendship. support for me ever since.” While practicing law, he had worked in The wooden plaque bears Vlack’s an office across the street from the fire department. A year name, title, and is inscribed with the words “No Greater after he joined, he was elected to the St. Croix County Love.” Bitney said Vlack’s response to receiving such a Circuit Court. He has continued to serve as a volunteer token of his appreciation was “I love you brother.” n while on the bench, and currently holds the position of

Kelly continued from front page “His extensive real world experience, combined with his practiced law at a firm he owned and founded in intellect and integrity, make him well-suited to be an Waukesha. Early in his legal career, Kelly was a influential member of the Court,” Walker stated. law clerk and then staff attorney for the Office of A native of Santa Barbara, California, Kelly grew up in Special Masters of the U.S. Court of Federal Arvada, Colorado. He came to Waukesha, Wisconsin to Claims, from 1992 to 1996. He worked as a law study at Carroll College (now Carroll University), where he clerk for the late Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish Ralph Adam Fine from 1991 to 1992. in 1986. He earned his law degree from Regent University Kelly is a member of the board of advisors and School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1991. past president of the Milwaukee Lawyer’s Chapter Kelly has 19 years experience as a private practice of the Federalist Society. He serves on the attorney in Wisconsin and has represented clients in cases Wisconsin Advisory Committee of the U.S. before the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Commission on Civil Rights and the Carroll Court. Before joining the Supreme Court, Kelly spent most University President’s Advisory Council. of his career at one of the largest and oldest law firms in Kelly is married and has five children. He lives in Justice Daniel Kelly Wisconsin. Subsequently, he served as vice president and North Prairie, Wisconsin. n general counsel for a philanthropic foundation, and then

STOP continued from page 12 is complete, it will be posted on court’s website at: administered by U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of www.wicourts.gov/publications/guides/index.htm. Violence Against Women. n The Office of Court Operations manages the STOP grant money awarded to the courts with guidance provided by the For more information about the STOP grant or any of these STOP Grant Advisory Committee, a multidisciplinary group initiatives, contact Amber Peterson in the Office of Court consisting of judges, a court commissioner, a clerk of court, Operations at (608) 267-7764 or a district court administrator, as well as other domestic [email protected]. violence and sexual assault experts. The grants are 14

Summer New judges continued from front page 2016 De Vries is a municipal judge University Law School. He served as the president of the for the town of Fox Lake, and Marathon County Bar Association from 2006-07. The ThiRD BRANCh works in private practice. He is a “Greg has managed to preform at the highest levels of the graduate of Dordt College and profession while always maintaining the trust and respect of Valparaiso University School of opposing counsel,” Portage County Circuit Court Judge Law. Robert J. Shannon wrote of Strasser. “His demeanor, legal “I am pleased to appoint Martin knowledge, and ability are the perfect blend of attributes.” De Vries as a Dodge County “It is my privilege to appoint John M. Wood to serve as a judge,” Walker said. “His judge in Rock County,” Walker decades of experience, said in announcing the commitment to the rule of law, appointment to the Rock County and service to Dodge County as a Circuit Court Branch 6 bench. Judge Clayton P. Kawski municipal court judge will serve “John has admirably served the him well in his position on the Rock County community in bench.” different ways for many years, Walker named Atty. David L. and I am confident that service Weber to the Door County will continue as a judge who Circuit Court Branch 2 bench, faithfully applies the rule of filling the vacancy created by the law.” retirement of Judge Peter C. Diltz Wood fills the vacancy created (see Retirements on page 19). by the retirement of Judge Judge John M. Wood Weber has a bachelor’s degree Richard T. Werner (see from Lawrence University and a Retirements on page 24). He has worked in private practice law degree from Drake in Janesville. He holds a B.A. from UW-Madison and a law University Law School. He degree from Hamline University School of Law. works in private practice. Walker announced the appointment of two judges to the “I am thrilled to appoint David Sheboygan County Circuit Court on May 27. Former Judge Martin J. De Vries Weber as judge in Door County,” Marinette County Assistant District Attorney Kent R. Walker said. “David’s long term Hoffman fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge commitment to the Door County Timothy M. Van Akkeren on the community and his passion for Branch 2 bench. A graduate of the rule of law make him a great UW-Milwaukee and UW Law asset to the judiciary.” School, Hoffman has also Kenosha County Court previously worked in the State Commissioner Jodi L. Meier was Public Defender’s Office for 16 appointed to fill the vacancy on years. the Kenosha County Branch 4 “I can state, unequivocally, that Branch created by the death of Mr. Hoffman is a man of great Judge S. Michael Wilk on March integrity,” Marinette County 3 (see The Third Branch Circuit Court Judge David G. Judge David L. Weber Winter/Spring 2016). Miron said in support of Prior to serving as a court Hoffman’s appointment. “At all Judge Kent R. Hoffman commissioner, Meier worked in private practice and as a times he has acted with the Guardian ad Litem. She has an undergraduate and law utmost professionalism. He is degree from Marquette University. always prepared, has excellent knowledge of the law, is “Ms. Meier has clearly earned an excellent reputation as patient and respectful. In short, he has the proper judicial an attorney in Kenosha,” temperament.” Kenosha County Circuit Court Hoffman’s term started on June 13, when he was sworn in Judge Chad G. Kerkman said in a by Sheboygan County Circuit Court Judge Edward L. statement. “She would be an Stengel. indispensable asset to the The Green Bay Press Gazette reported Hoffamn was Kenosha County judiciary.” sworn in before a group that included Hoffman’s family and Atty. Gregory J. Strasser was members of the county’s legal community. Hoffman said he appointed to the Marathon wanted to take the long-vacant Branch 2 bench as soon as County Circuit Court Branch 4 possible. bench. Strasser fills the vacancy “It’s time to get to work,” the Press Gazette quoted him as created by the retirement of saying. Judge Gregory E. Grau (see Walker named Daniel J. Borowski to the Branch 5 bench. Retirements on page 23). Strasser He will replace Judge James J. Bolgert, who is retiring from Judge Gregory J. has a B.A. from UW-Madison Strasser and a law degree from Hamline see New judges on page 18 Judicial Education workshops. Education Judicial for presenter former Judges and Municipal Association, Walworththe of County chair former and member founding Committee, Benchbook Probate the of chair former a is He practice. private in worked Whitewater,of and city the Walworthfor for attorney attorney County,city assistant district a as served previously year.had following He hardships. many so involved they because favorable, least be to cases family found he said He grade.” “higher a of be to them found he because appropriate. not was it thought Carlson as autograph, his seek to requests staff’s court deny to had he because mostly but him, to out stands also Chmura Mark Packer Bay Green former involving case a said Carlson Court. Wisconsinthe Supreme by affirmed later was conviction The instruction. jury poor a of grounds of on Court Appeals the to appealed successfully guilty,Lohmeier Lohmeier but C. George found Carlson 1993. in road a along walking were who students School High Whitewater two killed and forward. came victims other 40 almost convicted, was McGuire after said Carlson prosecute. to agreed attorney Walworththe district Geneva, County Lake to trips during place taken had assaults the of several Since state. that in Rev.McGuire prosecute Donald to expired had limitations of statute the Illinois, in lived victims the and priest the While earlier.years 40 than more boys altar molesting of accused priest a of prosecution the involved cases those of One out. stood that several were there said career,he his on reflecting While years. 37 past the over bench 2 Branch his before come cases of lot a had has Carlson L. James Judge Court Circuit WalworthCounty Carlson L. James Judge practice. mediation divorce a start and grandchild, new his with practice. general entering attorneys fewer bar,with the in fragmentation more noticed also has he said He litigation. civil in decrease County,a Sheboygan and in years the over cases criminal and family in volume in increase an noticed has (PPAC).he Committee said Bolgert Policy and Advisory Planning Court Supreme the and Committee, Education Judicial Committee, Benchbook options. treatment to open most are that’sthey as when arrest, their after immediately is offenders OWI to out reach to time the believes he said He lapses. to responses and treatment for referrals monitoring, (OWI) intoxicated while operating provides which Program, purpose. a serve sentences their sure make to and Carlson was first appointed in 1979, and won election the election won and 1979, in appointed first was Carlson cases civil over presiding enjoyed has he said Carlson hit who driver drunk a involved recalled he case Another WalworthCourt Circuit County time more spend to plans he said Bolgert retirement, his In Juvenile the of member a as served has Bolgert county’sDriver his Intoxicated of proud is he said Bolgert RETIREMENTS RETIREMENTS continued from page 2 page from continued Judge James L. Carlson L. James Judge sentencing I drove home and would say ‘I got that right.’that got ‘I say would and home drove I sentencing after days Some worst. their at and best their at people “Yousaid. he families,” see the and victims the defendants, individual. the of interest best the in is what versus society of interest best what’sthe consider in to needs judge again. over all law criminal learn to had he because challenging found he which cases, criminal were heard he cases the of percent 60 than more said He bench. the on cases these hearing enjoyed he practice, private in litigation injury personal Group. Support Judge Combat Force Advocate U.S. the Air of captain a as years four for served he School Law UW from degree law his received practice. he After private in worked and County Crawford for attorney district and commissioner court a as served previously families. of up break the involve that cases touching very as well as cases, homicide heard has he said He courtroom. his in bad much so and good much so seen has and people, the of many knows he said Czajkowski years, 40 than more for lived also has he where for.”looking that’sI’m and what job, the than life to there’smore believe something I But with. worked I people the liked I and it of challenge the liked I retire. to decide to difficult very it career.found “I his on reflecting said, Czajkowski P.James Judge Court Circuit Court Circuit County Crawford P.James Judge Czajkowski impartial.” and fair,just be and problems resolve to open, be to cases, se pro in particularly be, “Tryto bench. the taking judges new to advice traveling. and skiing country cross golfing, retirement his spend to hopes he period, month 15 a over cancer battling successfully after said He attorneys. and clerks, reporters, court the including with, worked concluding. was it as just arrived he location, correct the found he time the by said He place. wrong the to went and event, the for location right the have not did he unfortunately Bay.said Green He in Conference Wisconsina Judicial at country the throughout courts treatment on information present to asked was he year one said Carlson state. the to back bring to information collect to Boston and Chicago Reno, in gatherings court treatment national attended has He valuable. incredibly are said he Wisconsin,in which courts treatment of development “The humanity comes out at sentencing, from the from sentencing, at out comes humanity “The a because interesting most sentencing found he said He and civil of background a from coming said Czajkowski had He 2010. in bench the to elected was Czajkowski county,small a in judge only the As County Crawford job,” the liked “I offering in said, listener,”Carlson good “Youa be to have has he people wonderful the miss will he said Carlson laughed. Carlson again,” present to invited not was “I the advance to worked has Carlson years, the Over see Retirements Czajkowski P.James Judge on page 19 page on

The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 15 16

Summer NEWS AND NOTES 2016 acine County Circuit Court staff, county staff, and local Herber praised the interpreter

The ThiRD BRANCh residents got a front row seat for the introduction of program for providing a voice for Rthree new courthouse residents, The (Racine) Journal Times non-English speakers in the legal reported. The new residents had hatched on the courthouse system, as did Deputy Chief rooftop about three weeks earlier. The two female and one Judge Barbara Hart Key, male peregrine falcon chicks were also named and banded Winnebago County Circuit Court, by Greg Septon of Peregrine Management and Research, who also stressed the importance according to the article. of having a certified interpreter. “Basically, it’s an identifying marker for their entire life “It’s crucial that you have a that allows us to better manage this urban nesting qualified interpreter, and as a population,” Septon told the paper of the tracking bands he judge we can trust that interpreter put on the chicks’ legs. is accurately interpreting the About 40 falcons have hatched since the peregrines information to the party and Deputy Chief Judge started nesting on the courthouse roof in 2001. Septon told witnesses,” Key told the Law Barbara Hart Key the paper the location is ideal for the falcons because of the Journal. height of the building, its proximity to Lake Michigan, and Court Interpreter Program Manager Carmel Capati also the nesting box on the roof. spoke to Court Talk, a podcast created by the National The birds were named after RoseAnn Lee, the former Center of State Courts, about the need for language access Racine County clerk of court who passed away last year; in the judicial system, and why being bilingual alone does Karen Johnson Boyd, a Racine Art Museum benefactor not qualify someone to be a court interpreter. The podcast who died in January; and Len Ziolkowski, the late Racine can be found at: County executive, according to the article. http://connected.ncsc.org/courttalk/archives/episode-3.

“Rock County Courthouse tower gets short reprieve,” Former headlined a May 17 article in the Janesville Gazette. The circuit court tower was scheduled to be demolished last November judges from because pieces of brick were falling off on to the sidewalks Waukesha below, but a contractor discovered the demolition would be and Oneida more complicated than originally planned, due in part to the counties are limited space around the tower, according to the article. among New bid specifications will be created before a request for appointees to bids will go out. Assistant County Administrator Randy a newly Terronez told the paper he expects the tear-down of the created tower to take place in the fall. commission assigned to “The system fails if we don’t provide language regulate assistance,” Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Paul R. ethics and Van Grunsven told the Wisconsin Law Journal in an article campaign posted June 8. “The interpreter is just as important as my financing for court reporter, bailiff and clerk.” Wisconsin The article discussed the importance of interpreters in office court proceedings, as well as the need for more certified holders and interpreters in the state. lobbyists. Spanish interpreters are in the highest demand, with Gov. Scott American Sign Language interpreters the second highest. Walker “To be an interpreter you have to have a certain skill,” announced on June 9 that retired Waukesha County Circuit Milwaukee Atty. Cynthia Herber, who worked as a Court Judge J. “Mac” Davis and Reserve Judge Robert E. Spanish interpreter for seven years, told the Kinney, a former Oneida County Circuit Court Judge, Law Journal. “It’s an ability to hear one would serve on the newly created Wisconsin Ethics language and spit out the content in another Commission. The judges were selected from a list of names language. You have to do it at a certain submitted to the governor by legislative leaders of each speed.” party. Other members include Katie McCallum, Peg Herber decided to practice law due to her Lautenschlager, Pat Strachota, and David Halbrooks. frustration at not being able to provide any The new commission takes over some of the duties of the legal assistance to individuals, as it is former Government Accountability Board. against the interpreter’s code of ethics. “When you are an interpreter people are The State Bar of Wisconsin announced in May that supposed to know you are there but you are Executive Director George Brown plans to retire June 30, not supposed to be heard,” Herber was 2017. By the time of his retirement, he will have served as quoted as saying. “You are there to facilitate executive director for 17 years, and have been with the State Judge Paul R. Van Grunsven communication. You are not a party to any Bar for over 30 years. proceedings.” see News and Notes on page 25 Treatment court programs celebrate success celebrate programs Treatmentcourt son. My recovery became everyday life and now I’m now and life everyday recoverybecame My son. a had I accepted being since and time second the accepted was I Court. Drug to applied I time first the denied got I explained: participant the success. As reaching in obstacles many overcame who graduate recent a cited Oshkosh. in facility treatment a at working currently is and years seven for sober and clean been has graduate One 2006. since program its from participants 100 than more graduating Coordinator,reported plaque. and coin, ribbon, a with along graduation of certificate a received graduates The friends. and members family their and participants graduating the from testimonials also and team, court drug the attending. friends participants’and family the and public, enforcement, law officials, government local and state media, the of Day,members R. with Craig Judge Court Circuit by over presided were Courthouse, County Grant the ceremony,in and held session graduate court drug May The 2010. in inception its since offenders 60 graduated has County’sCourt Grant OWI court, drug the to addition In in 2014. court August drug the establishing since accomplishments. recent some note S courts, new evidence based treatments are being discussed being are treatments based evidence new courts, MATfor need drug the in interventions. As increases psychosocial with conjunction in therapies replacement with dependency that treat to how with struggle courts treatment Wisconsin,in many dependency opiate in increase (MAT).treatment assisted medication on With an focused programs. the in use to courts for options of list a and tools offered also but courts, treatment in sanctions and incentives regarding facts evidence-based the addressed only not session The it. on training requested have courts treatment Wisconsinmany Wisconsin,in and discussion ongoing of area one is This sanctions. and incentives – Standards Court Wisconsin’sto update an in Treatment included be will conference. the at presented also representatives Two others. among Wisconsin sanctions, and incentives and treatment, medication-assisted care, informed trauma- courts, treatment coordinator,family a of role the assessment, screening, on sessions attended representatives Wisconsin courts. treatment of types different all on opportunities educational offered conference The attended. also (DOJ) Justice of Wisconsinthe Department and WisconsinProfessionals, Treatment of Court Association June. during Calif. Anaheim, in conference Professionals Court Drug of Association National the attended who nation the across from A By Katy Burke, Office of Court Operations Court of Office Burke, Katy By Judges, staff attend treatment court conference La Crosse County Drug Court Coordinator Patton Court Anne Drug County Crosse La Court Drug WinnebagoMorack, County Carol of members and Day from remarks featured ceremony The graduates two first its celebrated Court Drug County Grant Another session important to Wisconsin’sto important courts session treatment Another that topic a on analysis in-depth an featured session One Wisconsinfrom the Representatives Tribal Courts, occasion of national Drug Court Month during May to May during Month Court Drug national of occasion the used programs court Wisconsineveral treatment staff were among 5,000 treatment court professionals court treatment 5,000 among were staff and judges court Wisconsin40 treatment pproximately at (608) 261-0680 or 261-0680 (608) at Operations Court of Office the in Burke Katy contact courts, problem-solvingabout questions or moreinformation For state. the across programs court treatment visit to continue also will Burke courts. treatment for system reporting CORE the testing in assist Wisconsinand Standards,Treatment Court the update evaluation, program court treatment for tool a develop to Justice of Department the with work will Burke Katy Coordinator Court Problem-Solving Statewide months six next the Over effectiveness. and progress their track and successes these reach to tools the with them provide and programs their with courts better.Court! life Drug you Thank your make that things positive the do to motivated be and change accept to you’rewilling If offer.programcan this what of example an being by day every this do I feel I change. a make to try and back give to Recovery.want and I Drugs about areaschools at speaking now am I back. me hold that let not did I Court. Drug into acceptance my to prior happened that crimes arrestedfor was I graduation beforedays 3 and 2015 of October in graduate to set was I Court. Drug in not was I if happened have would this of None degreein. college my got I that field the in working treatment coordinator conference. coordinator treatment Wisconsin’sand opportunities, grant trainings, on update an provided and Wisconsinfor delegates meeting a organized said. Vlack conference,” the Wisconsinattend from teams more recommend would I court. treatment our in change can we areas few a and right doing are we what learned team Our conference. national a of experience the from gained be to much so is there because together attend to teams another.It’sfor one important with information valuable shared then and sessions different to went members other.each with information share to teams court Wisconsintreatment for opportunity the offered conference the said attended, said. Levine educational,” and energizing, inspiring, also was it but huge, so is conference “The nation. the across from field, the in professionals other with network to standards. national current match to standards state updating for plans future and stakeholders, to disseminated was information how developed, were WisconsinTreatmentthe for Courts Standards how discussed Kostelac and Levine where session breakout the for present were people courts. 50 Approximately treatment for standards state developing on presentation a conducted DOJ, from Dr.Kostelac with Constance along explored. and Statewide, work continues to help treatment help to continues work Statewide, Statewide Problem-Solving Court Coordinator Katy Burke Katy Coordinator Court Problem-Solving Statewide team My experience. building team excellent an was “It also F.who Edward III, Judge Vlack County Croix St. opportunity great a presented conference the said Levine Levine, M. Elliott Judge Court Circuit County Crosse La n [email protected] n . Judge Craig R. Day R. Craig Judge

The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 17 18

Summer 2016 Rule designates funds for legal services Atty. David Harth, Perkins Coie, Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission

The ThiRD BRANCh n June 24, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an available funding for these services. order amending Wis. Stat. § 803.08 to require the A copy of the order can be found here; information about allocationO of at least half of unclaimed class action awards the petition, related documents and audio of the hearing can to the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation (WisTAF) for be found here. the support of legal services to low-income and indigent “Residual Funds” means funds that remain after the persons. payment of all approved class member claims, expenses, The Court approved the rule change after receiving input litigation costs, attorney fees and other court-approved from interested parties and holding a public hearing during disbursements in an action under this section. April. The change was proposed by the Wisconsin Access to The rule states that any order entering a judgment or Justice Commission (WATJ) and presented on its behalf at approving a proposed compromise of a class action that the hearing by Atty. David Harth. establishes a process for identifying and compensating Testimony was provided by then-State Bar of Wisconsin members of the class shall provide for disbursement of any President Ralph M. Cagle; Marsha Mansfield, on behalf of residual funds. the WATJ; David A. Pifer, executive director, Legal Action In class actions in which residual funds remain, not less of Wisconsin; James A. Gramling, Jr., president, WATJ, and than 50 percent of the residual funds shall be disbursed to Kevin J. Palmersheim, vice president, WisTAF. At the WisTAF to support direct delivery of legal services to ensuing open rules conference, the court discussed the persons of limited means in non-criminal matters. petition and unanimously approved it. The circuit court may disburse the balance of any residual The petition was supported by a number of legal funds beyond the minimum percentage to WisTAF for organizations throughout the state, including the State Bar of purposes that have a direct or indirect relationship to the Wisconsin and its Litigation Section; the Wisconsin Trial objectives of the underlying litigation or otherwise promote Judges Association; the Wisconsin Association for Justice; the substantive or procedural interests of members of the the Western District Bar Association of Wisconsin; WisTAF; certified class. the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee; Legal Action of The amended rule does not prohibit the trial court from Wisconsin; Disability Rights Wisconsin; Wisconsin approving a settlement that does not create residual funds. Judicare; and the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. The new amendments will apply to proceedings Eighteen other states have adopted rules or passed commenced after the effective of Jan. 1, 2017 and, “insofar legislation providing that unclaimed class action funds be as is just and practicable,” to proceedings pending on the earmarked for low-income legal services. In many of these effective date. n states, this has resulted in significant increases in the

New judges continued from page 14 the Sheboygan County Circuit County Circuit Court bench, replacing Judge John A. Court bench on July 31 (see Damon (see Retirements on page 19). Retirements on page 2). Feltes has served as a court Borowski’s term began on Aug. commissioner for Trempealeau 1. County since 2009. He received Borowski previously worked in his bachelor’s degree from private practice. He has a Wisconsin State University-River bachelor of science degree from Falls (now UW-River Falls) and UW-Milwaukee and a law degree his law degree from University of from UW Law School. Illinois College of Law. “The business experience, “Passion to do justice, courtroom experience, life compassion, respect for people Judge Daniel J. experience and commitment to regardless of their social or Borowski the rule of law that Dan economic standing, a good Borowski carries will be a great knowledge of the law, a strong Judge Charles V. Feltes benefit to the people of Sheboygan County and the state of work ethic, and, most importantly, Wisconsin,” Ozaukee County Circuit Court Judge Joseph common sense. Charles Feltes Voiland was quoted as saying in the governor’s press possesses, demonstrates, and applies all of these values and release. qualities of character in abundance,” retired Polk County Former private practice attorney and Court Commissioner Circuit Court Judge Robert H. Rasmussen wrote in support Charles V. Feltes was chosen to serve on the Trempealeau of Feltes’ appointment. n Judge John A. Damon John A. Judge case management,” Damon said. “They have created easy created have “They said. Damon management,” case in improvements major been have all dashboard, judicial CCAP’sDiMottos’and John outlines, Judge) Court Circuit County forms. (Milwaukee new And created who Carlson, Vandercook,Marcia Capati, Brady.Carmel Margaret and including staff, court state to staff courthouse easier,from judge a as job his made have system court the in people many so said Damon Brummond. Patrick Administrator Court Seven District as well as Zickert, reporter,Judy court his and assistant, Berg, judicial Ashley his praised He prepared. well been have attorneys local the where litigation excellent involving ones the been have heard has he cases best the said He system. court the of levels all in people program. court drug and program court teen program, mediation offender-victimjuvenile program, mediation claims small a establish to years the over worked has Damon Translation.and WithinInterpretation Trempealeau County, Improve to Committee the and Committee, Instruction Jury Criminal Committee, Nominating Conference Judicial (WisTAF),Foundation Committee, Account Bond Uniform Wisconsinthe on Trust served has Damon School, Law University Marquette and College Macalester of graduate practice. private Ain worked previously had He 1995. in system. court the in challenge unexpected an created has years few past the in methamphetamines, and heroin especially use, drug of increase the said Damon taken. had she drugs the on crime Trempealeau County Circuit Court Circuit TrempealeauCounty Damon John A. Judge said. he them,” build hobby.canoeing his on time more spending River,and Mississippi the on home his decision. a reach to research more do or decision, a reach judge the help to attorneys the allow will this often said He know.”don’t “I lawyers, tell to afraid be to not judges new encourages He years. the over with worked has he attorneys different.’” that said had I wish ‘I say and home drive would I days Some “Due to pioneers like (now-Reserve) Judge Gary L. Gary Judge (now-Reserve) like pioneers to “Due with working appreciated and enjoyed has he said Damon bench the to elected first was retired 1, who Aug. Damon, “In the summer I’ll paddle them, and in the winter I’ll winter the in and them, paddle I’ll summer the “In enjoying retirement his spend to hopes he said Czajkowski the and staff court the miss will he said Czajkowski RETIREMENTS RETIREMENTS the sentencing, Butts blamed the blamed Butts sentencing, the “unimaginable.” At the time of time “unimaginable.” the At as crime the to referred Damon Oxycontin. of does fatal a care, her in left been had who girl, the giving for prison in years 30 to sentenced Butts Damon Amanda toddler.22-month-old a was victim the because memorable most the be always will that case homicide it’s2014 a bench, the on years 21 his over cases many heard has Damon John Judge A. Court Circuit Though TrempealeauThough County continued from page 15 page from continued Judicial District. Judicial Eighth the for judge chief deputy former a is He Committee. Benchbook Probate the and Committee Instruction difficult.” is them ending relationships; working good maintaining and establishing prioritize to tried I with. work we agencies and offices the in personnel the all also but particular,in them miss “I’ll said. he 10,” over for reporter court my years, 17 for me with been has assistant judicial courthouse. the in with worked he people interesting.” was it Navigating appeal. on up stood eventually case The deliberations. for in brought and before night the prepared apparently had juror a that definitions and points talking arguments, typed of stack a discovered room, deliberation jury the case. the describing said, Diltz instructions,” jury on scratch from starting necessitating retreat, and self-defense on law changing significantly decisions lengthy two issued Court Wisconsinthe Supreme trial, before week one than competency,less including then motions multiple normal sword. arts martial 38-inch a with Zelhofer stabbing up ended and Zelhofer,John friend his with argument drunken a into got Owens Steve 2001, Eve Christmas On sword. Samurai a and arguing, season, holiday a alcohol, everything: involve to seemed it said he and trial, to go case homicide degree first said. he issues,” the decide to had ultimately I if buy-in or agreement for atmosphere an create to parties the with rapport a establish to tried I so years 15-20 cases. law family hearing enjoyed always has he background, his of because said He practice. private County,in Door and in commissioner court family time part a as worked Diltz 1994, said. Diltz instance,” for child’scase, custody their hearing you’re when occasions social families. their and acquaintances involve that cases hear to having means county small a in judge a being explained He himself. isolate to inclination natural the fight to challenge a been has it said Diltz Court Circuit County Door Diltz C. Peter Judge more. traveling as well as George, and John grandsons,” “adorable two his on doting time more spending by busy keep to plans he said Damon But retires. he after most miss will he system.” better much a created that innovations big are these paperless, go to us allowed information, all to access Diltz has served as a member of the Criminal Jury Criminal the of member a as served has Diltz my friends, close are I Todd)(D. and “Judge Ehlers the missed has he said 11,Diltz May on retiring Since up cleaning while bailiff, the verdict, jury guilty a “After warrant, search telephonic Eve Christmas “Lengthy one had only he said Diltz bench, the on years 22 his In for file particular a have may you Door like county a “In in bench the to elected being to Prior at people into running difficult be can “It C. Peter Judge Court Circuit County Door people “excellent” these all with working is it said Damon see Retirements Judge Peter C. Diltz C. Peter Judge on page 20 page on

The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 19 20

Summer RETIREMENTS continued from page 19 2016 Diltz advises new judges to absorb as much information civil engineer and his career as a judge.

The ThiRD BRANCh and advice from other judges as they can. “They will be “In both you deal with unusual situations, and the happy to impart it.” approach is similar,” he said. “No one has ever built a In his retirement, Diltz has been enjoying Door County by bridge over this river before; I have never heard this case kayaking, boating, biking, golfing, and catching up with before.” friends. He said he promised himself that he would not take Flanagan, who retired July 31, received his B.S. in civil on any work or commitments for at least six months. engineering from the Missouri School of Mines and worked as an engineer in La Crosse before joining the U.S. Naval Civil Engineer Corps and serving as an underwater Judge James Evenson construction officer in the Amphibious Construction Sauk County Circuit Court Battalion One in Coronado, Calif. He then attended UW Over the past 30 years on the bench, Sauk County Circuit Law School and worked as a staff attorney for Legal Court Judge James Evenson said he Services for Northwestern Pennsylvania and as an assistant takes pride in the fact he has kept his attorney general for the Wisconsin Department of Justice. In calendar moving, listened to all parties 1999, he was appointed to the Dane Court Circuit Court involved, and made decisions based on Branch 12 bench by then-Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, and the facts and the law. He said he has won election to his first six-year term the following year. enjoyed having the opportunity to Flanagan said he has enjoyed the juvenile and jury cases resolve disputes. he has presided over during the Evenson said he has enjoyed the past 17 years. He said he would variety of cases that have come before miss working with jurors, whom his Branch 2 bench over the years. He he praised as conscientious and said it is the human element that makes hard working. them interesting. Perhaps the most Flanagan said he is proud of his interesting case, he said, was State v. work on the Voter ID case in Judge James Evenson Kupaza. Peter Kupaza was charged with 2012, where he placed an murdering his cousin and dismembering injunction on the law that her body before dumping her in the Wisconsin River. The required Wisconsin voters to body was found in Spring Green in 1999. Evenson said the show ID at the voting polls. The dismemberment had left the body unidentifiable, so forensic law was upheld the following anthropologists were brought in to reconstruct the face. year by the District IV Court of Judge David T. Flanagan Kupaza was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide Appeals, and later upheld by the and hiding a corpse in 2000. Evenson said the forensic work state Supreme Court. Some matters are still pending in was very good in the case, and credited that and the pure federal court. luck of the family member seeing the reconstruction photo Flanagan is also proud of his work to establish a veterans for the identification of the victim, which led to the court program in Dane County, which has been operating conviction. for two years. Evenson was first elected in 1986, after working in private “There was a need to offer appropriate care to the people practice. He retired on July 31, which was the last day of his who served our country,” Flanagan said. “Having a veterans fifth term on the circuit court. Evenson has served as a chief hospital in Madison also creates the opportunity, with access judge and deputy chief judge for the Sixth Judicial District to a competent resource.” during his time on the bench. He has also served as a Flanagan said he has found it challenging over the years member of the Planning and Policy Advisory Committee to find balance in the tension between wanting to be (PPAC), and the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee. compassionate and needing to be fair. He reminds new Evenson noted of the advances that have been made in judges to have some compassion for the defendants court system technology over the years. “When I started appearing before them, “no one wants to be judged for the there were no computers. CCAP was just an idea, versus worst thing they did.” what it is today.” Flanagan has served as a guest lecturer at Shanghai He said the lack of resources at all levels of the system People’s High Court and the International Judicial Academy has posed a challenge in light of the volume and complexity in Den Haag. He is a former member of the Supreme Court of the work. But he praised his judicial assistant and court Planning and Policy Advisory Committee (PPAC), and the reporter, and said he would miss the daily contact with them Juvenile Jury Instruction Committee. and everyone else in the courthouse. Unlike his sister, former Milwaukee County Circuit Court “Set aside time to review the cases, listen, show everyone Judge Mel Flanagan, Flanagan said he does not have a courtesy and respect, and decide the cases in accordance of Fulbright Scholarship awaiting him in his retirement. He the law,” Evenson advised new judges taking the bench. said he recently went to Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit his sister, who is working to educate the court systems on Judge David T. Flanagan policy and procedures related to domestic, sexual, and child abuse cases. Dane County Circuit Court “She is doing great good,” he said of his sister. Dane County Circuit Court Judge David T. Flanagan said he can draw many parallels between his earlier career as a see Retirements on page 23 study committee will next meet in mid-September.in meet next will committee study called, study Commission’sWisconsinthe Justice 2013 and to Access Needs WisconsinLegal Gap: Unmet Justice the Bridging called, study 2007 Bar’sState the with provided was mission. the further to helpful be might state the which in offer,ways presently and they services and programs the it, see they as needs unmet Institute. Justice Economic School’sWisconsinof Law University the and Resources, Wisconsin,Rights WisconsinGreater on Agency Aging Wisconsin,of the Bar Disability American Association, Bar State the of representatives from problem the of scope operations. current review (3) and indigent; the for services legal civil provide to revenue of sources revenue) purpose (general non-GPR additional identify (2) litigants; civil indigent by services legal for need the review (1) to: including cases, civil in indigent the for services legal of delivery and funding. stable more for look to state the encouraged letter The representation. scope limited of consideration and centers, self-help of development encouraging lawyers, by efforts bono pro encouraging judges, and lawyers on fee $50 the of imposition Commission, Justice the to establishing Access included Efforts litigants. civil for services legal of availability the expand to years several last the in efforts its described Court Supreme the justices, seven the by signed letter January a In Court. Supreme the of request the at formed was Services Legal Civil to Access direction. future committee’sand assignment the discuss and information gather to designed was areas. selected in experience and knowledge their share to committees the to added are non-legislators because unique somewhat Wisconsinlegislation. is proposing of goal the with legislators, to interest of areas of studies in-depth does Council Legislative Joint the session, in not recidivism. and services legal civil including courts, the to related topics study S Liaison Rottier,Legislative M. Nancy By legal services, reducing recidivism Legislative committees study access to civil Members of this study committee are: committee study this of Members committee the meeting, its at speakers the to addition In the of scope the on information provided speakers The the about heard committee study the meeting, first its At funding the review to directed is Committee Study The Services Legal Civil on to Committee Access Study The which meeting, first its held has committees these of Each is Legislature the when period the during years, two Every Wisconsin Legislative Council committees assigned to assigned committees Council WisconsinLegislative two of members among are Wisconsineveral judges Justice Commission, Milwaukee Commission, Justice Wisconsinpresident, Gramling, to James Access • Liberty,Milwaukee & Inc., Law for WisconsinInstitute counsel, general and president Esenberg, Rick • WaukeshaS.C., attorney,Offices,associate Law SterlingBoyd, Erin • (R-Markesan) Ballweg Joan Rep. • (R-Saukville) Stroebel Duey Sen. Vice• – Chair (R-Mukwonago) Horlacher Cody Rep. – Chair • The State of Equal Justice in Wisconsin.”in Justice Equal Stateof The The with the next meeting set for August 31. for 31. set August meeting next the with activities. outreach and initiatives its described department the of Representatives programs. training its for system college technical the of resources the utilizes often DWD initiatives. employment and search job programs. training work-related and provided services health mental the inmates, for employed strategies the process, assessment risk the discussed panel The recidivism. reduce to designed are that practices evidenced-based on emphasis its with intervention, effective of principles prison. in years 3 than less served whom of three-quarters about facilities, DOC from released are prisoners 9,000 to 8,500 about year Every reentry.successful foster to use they approaches what and with deal they issues the of scope the described panelists (DWD). Development Workforceof Department and (DOC) Corrections of Department the within exist currently programs what conviction. of consequences collateral other and credentials, professional and licensure occupational to impediments medication, of continuity society,to including re-acclimating to impediments existing explore (c) and program; reduction recidivism a of part as implementation possible for credits earned-time of systems investigate (b) implementation; or expansion possible for states other in Wisconsinin or success achieved have that recidivism decrease to strategies evidence-based consider (a) shall: committee The recidivism. reducing for practices best and strategies effective review to directed is Employment Ex-Offender to Impediments Removing Employment Offender Ex- to Impediments Removing and Recidivism Reducing Members of the committee are: committee the of Members times, more four meet to planning is committee study The provides DWD the DOC, Workingwith collaboration in Corrections of Institute National the follows DOC Jackson, Sylvia Director Reentry DOC the by Led learning on focused committee the meeting, first its At and Recidivism Reducing on Committee Study The Court, Milwaukee Court, Glenn Yamahiro,Judge Circuit • County Milwaukee Milwaukee Court, Circuit of Clerk County Milwaukee • Wochos,administrator,Amy counsel/senior legal WirchRobert (D-Kenosha) Sen. • (D-Madison) Subeck Lisa Rep. • (D-Appleton) Rep. Stuck • Amanda Oshkosh Center,Inc., Resolution director,executive Winnebago Conflict Rust, Michael • Madison Court, Prosser,Wisconsinretired, Supreme David Justice • Wisconsin,Milwaukee director,Pifer,Legal of executive David Action • Claire chair,Eau Board County Claire Eau Moore, Gregg • WausauJudicare, director,executive Wisconsin Haas, Kimberly • see Committees on page 22 page on

The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 21 22

Summer 2016 Legislators, justices, judges tour prisons bout 196 people, including a justice, judges, circuit legislators and visited the Jackson Correctional Institution as

The ThiRD BRANCh court commissioners, court staff, legislators, and Lt. part of this year’s program. Gov.A Rebecca Kleefisch each visited one of more than 25 Legislators who participated in the Correctional Facility correctional facilities statewide as part of a Judicial Visitation Program in 2016: Education program on April 29. • Rep. Scott Allen (R-Waukesha) The visits featured tours, panel discussions and • Rep. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) conversations with wardens at each of the institutions. • Rep. Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) About 86 judges and ten legislators took advantage of the • Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) annual program this year, which also offered visits to the • Rep. David Murphy (R-Greenfield) Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center in Mauston, the • Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Winnebago and the • Rep. Romaine Quinn (R-Rice Lake) residential program for juveniles Grow Academy, located • Rep. Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) just south of Madison in Oregon, Wisconsin. • Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield) Now-retired Justice David T. Prosser helped invite • Rep. Dana Wachs (D-Eau Claire) n

White House continued from page 8 and privacy protections, to enable identification of multiple system “super utilizers;” • Diverting this population, as well as people who may be committing low level crimes primarily due to mental illness, from the criminal justice system prior to arrest by use of our Early Interventions protocol, and linking them to care management or other community based services; and • Better identifying individuals entering the criminal justice system who have significant problems related to trauma and mental illness. Abele also noted that planning is under way for phase two of the MacArthur Foundation grant received by Milwaukee County earlier this year to safely reduce the jail population, divert people On May 23, Wisconsin State Law Librarian Julie Tessmer received a with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues Citizen Assistance Award from Madison Police Chief Michael C. out of the system and into the appropriate Koval in a ceremony at Monona Terrace. Tessmer assisted the treatment programs, and implement reforms that Madison Police Department by providing information that led to the will reduce racial disparities in the criminal apprehension of anarmed robbery suspect in her neighborhood. justice system. n

Committees continued from page 21 • Chair – Sen. Alberta Darling (R- River Hills) area supervisor, ATTIC Correctional Services Inc. & • Vice Chair Rep. Rob Hutton, (R- Brookfield) ACS Clinical Services LLC, Milwaukee • Edward Bailey, inspector, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s • Judge Lisa Stark, Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Wausau Office, Milwaukee • Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) • Rep. Jill Billings (D-LaCrosse) • Kelli Thompson, state public defender, Madison • Judge David Borowski, Milwaukee County Circuit The Legislative Council was created in 1947 and Court, Milwaukee originally consisted of five senators and seven • Earl Buford, president and CEO, Employ Milwaukee, representatives, assisted by an Executive Secretary and two Inc., Milwaukee assistants. The council was charged to conduct studies of • Jerome Dillard, re-entry coordinator, Dane County, matters of concern to the Legislature, either during or Madison between sessions of the Legislature, and to report its • Rep. Evan Goyke, (D-Milwaukee) recommendations to the next general or special session. • Sadique Isahaku, dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Now nearing its 70th anniversary, the council has been Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee renamed the Joint Legislative Council and expanded to 22 • Eric Johnson, district attorney, St. Croix County, members, including the entire leadership of the Legislature. Hudson The council’s charge is essentially unchanged and its role in • Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) the legislative process continues today as it originally did. n • Mary Prosser, clinical associate professor, UW Law School, Madison For more information about the study committees visit: • Amy Schabel, Milwaukee/Waukesha & Sheboygan http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lc/study/2016 Prior to taking the bench, he served as a district a as served he bench, the taking to Prior District. Judicial Ninth the for judge chief deputy and judge chief former a is He 2013. in recently most times, three re-elected and 1995, in bench 4 Branch the to elected first was Grau 20. May system. court the to in coming judges new to offers Grau E. Gregory Judge Court Circuit County Marathon advice the is courage,” and vision, Court Circuit County Marathon Grau E. Gregory Judge speak. they before think to remember to judges new advises He first. litigant’sthat is week the for hearing injunction 30th his that computers.” these have judges that hate “I client, her to whispering courtroom his in lawyer a recalls he said He information. more to access easier for allowed have that system said. Foust Wisconsinjudges,” College. Judicial annual each after felt he batteries” “recharged and camaraderie of sense the enjoyed has he said He system. court the in people” good practice. private in worked defender,and public County, assistant Dane an in attorney district assistant and attorney district a as served he bench, the taking to Prior Committee. Benchbook Criminal the of member a as and division, criminal the for judge presiding a District, Judicial Fifth the for judge chief a as served has He ‘boring.’” as case same the views invariably reporter court “My said. ‘That’sFoust interesting,’” Dane County Circuit Court Circuit County Dane Foust William C. Judge background. law and engineering his on based community the to contributions Judge C. William Foust William C. Judge After 21 years on the bench, Grau retired on retired Grau bench, the on years 21 After humor,integrity,with business your about “Go remember to challenge a been times, at has, it said Foust court the in technology in advances the praised also He for asset tremendous a is program Education Judicial “The the “all with contact daily the miss will he said Foust 1997. in appointed first was 31, July retired who Foust, say,me made that case well-tried a enjoyed I all, of “Most He said in his retirement he does hope to offer some offer to hope does he retirement his in said He RETIREMENTS RETIREMENTS juvenile cases because they because cases juvenile enjoyed he and drama, more involved they often and high were stakes the because criminal enjoyed he punctual, be to tended attorneys the because cases civil appreciated he said Foust cases. of types different all hearing enjoyed he said WilliamFoust C. Judge bench, 14 Branch Court Circuit County Dane the on accomplish something. accomplish to opportunity an provided Looking back over his 19 years 19 his over back Looking continued from page 20 page from continued Judge Gregory E. Grau E. Gregory Judge practice. He retired at the end of his term on July 31. July on term his of end the at retired He practice. private in worked and County Kewaunee for attorney district a as served previously and 1992, in bench the to elected first was He Committee. Facilities and Security County Kewaunee TeamResponse the Community and joy.their in share to opportunity the appreciated has and involved, families the from photos and cards follow-up received has he said He background. difficult a from coming is or needs special has child a where cases in particularly years, the over hear to cases favorite ensued.” commitment mental a and ill mentally was he that determine to long jury the take not say,did to it “Needless said. fly,”to Mleziva ability his included which jury,the and to explained enthusiastically he the which Michael Archangel, was he that claimed and tuxedo white a in dressed trial the to came respondent the where trial jury commitment mental a was career my him. for out stand always will particular in case one But county.the in judge only the as serving years 24 past the over is there case of type every almost heard has Court Circuit County Kewaunee Mleziva J. Dennis Judge next.” comes what out figure then and re-energize, down, pressure blood his “getting case.” per time more for allowed volume the wish caseload. its in increase an had also has County Marathon said He courtroom. his into came that litigants self-represented of number the in increase are. they who be to got they how see to try and people, of types all observe to him allowed that seat a have to opportunity the having enjoyed has he said He time. that at thing important most the as was, it case of type what matter no him, before County.Marathon for attorney district assistant and attorney Mleziva said he has noticed a distinct increase in self- in increase distinct a noticed has he said Mleziva Coordinated the of chair as served has Mleziva his been have adoptions said Mleziva in early cases memorable most the of “One Mleziva J. Dennis Judge Court Circuit County Kewaunee on work to plans he said Grau retirement, his During “I said. Grau business,” do you how impacts volume “The significant a witnessed has he years the over said Grau came that case each approach to tried has he said Grau successor is any pending asbestos litigation, asbestos pending any is successor his for behind leave not will he thing one court.” in say to had they what considered you and listened you favor,because their in rule don’t you if even proceedings, the with satisfied be will parties the times many and can, you extent the to that “Allow story,”said. the he of side their you tell to able be to want litigants, se listen. and patient be to judges new advises He years. the over litigants represented While he leaves this advice for new judges, new for advice this leaves he While pro especially court, to come who “People see Retirements Judge Dennis J. Mleziva J. Dennis Judge on page 24 page on

The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 23 24

Summer RETIREMENTS continued from page 23 2016 Mleziva said. He explained that he has faced a significant highlights of his 20 years on the bench. Werner took over number of asbestos cases during his years on the bench, the drug court during its early years, and has been part of its The ThiRD BRANCh with each involving many defendants and years of litigation. successful development. He said he is proud to have worked “A business in Algoma in Kewaunee County used asbestos with the treatment providers and county board to create a in door manufacturing until the mid-1970s, and this resulted successful drug court program. in one or more asbestos cases pending practically throughout Werner, who retired Aug. 5, said he has enjoyed hearing my whole tenure as judge,” he explained. “The cases criminal cases during his eight years in the criminal court generally involved large numbers of specialized lawyers rotation, and prefers them to civil cases. But, he said, the from out of state and litigation issues and motions of every best cases to preside over are adoptions, since everyone in type you can imagine. One case went to trial for two weeks the courtroom is happy with the in the mid 1990s, and one was settled on the verge of trial in outcome. 2014. Otherwise, the cases have been resolved by Werner was first appointed to settlement. Fortunately for my successor, the last pending the Branch 6 bench in 1996. He asbestos case was settled earlier this year, and I consider this had previously served as a Rock a great accomplishment.” County Circuit Court Mleziva said he will miss working with the courthouse commissioner and worked in employees, especially his judicial assistant and court private practice. reporter, and other office and agencies in the county. In his “Making sure the calendar and retirement he plans to spend more time with his five cases move along in an grandchildren, travel, garden, hunt, and fish. appropriate fashion without unreasonable delays can be a Judge James R. Troupis challenge,” Werner said. He advises new judges to prepare for Judge Richard T. Werner Dane County Circuit Court cases. Dane County Circuit Court Judge James R. “Remember you’re not an advocate,” he said. “Keep an Troupis resigned from the Branch 3 bench on open mind, be patient, be compassionate where appropriate, May 2, ahead of his July 31 term end date. and treat people well. And treat your staff like family.” Troupis was appointed to the circuit court Werner said he has built a strong relationship with his staff bench on June 30, 2015 to fill the vacancy and the other Rock County Circuit Court judges, and he will created by the retirement of Dane County miss them most. Werner said he plans to spend time Circuit Court Judge John C. Albert. At the traveling, relaxing, being with his family, and doing time of his appointment, Troupis had said he volunteer work. would not seek election to the bench the following spring. Troupis received his bachelor’s and law Kathryn J. Fus degrees from Northwestern University, where Waukesha County Circuit he also served as editor-in-chief of the Court Reporter Judge James R. Troupis Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Kathryn J. Fus retired April 1, after serving 25 years as a Prior to his appointment to the circuit court, court reporter for the Waukesha County Circuit Court. Fus he worked in private practice and had served as a law clerk was first hired by then-Waukesha County Circuit Court for Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Howard C. Ryan. Branch 1 Judge Harry G. Snyder in June of 1991, after Troupis is a former member of the board of directors for serving as a per diem court reporter the previous year. But Legal Action of Wisconsin and the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Board of Governors. see Retirements on page 26 “In the time I have served we instituted a series of changes within our Branch of the Court that have dramatically increased its efficiency,” Troupis wrote in his letter announcing his departure. Troupis cited family obligations in his decision to leave before the end of his term. “Finally, I would be remiss if I did not add that the reception I received over the past year from my fellow judges in the Dane County Circuit Court, and throughout the State, was exceptional,” he wrote in his letter.

Judge Richard T. Werner Rock County Circuit Court Over eight years as presiding judge for the Rock County Drug Court, Rock County Circuit Court Judge Richard T. Official court reporter Kathy Fus recently retired after 25 Werner has witnessed 243 participants graduate. He said years with the state and 40 years total as a reporter. During being part of those positive sessions with those individuals her time with the court, she served under three Waukesha- successfully overcoming their issues has been one of the based judges, left to right, Judge Harry G. Snyder, Judge Joseph E. Wimmer, and Judge Michael O. Bohren. Higgenbotham B. Paul Judge Judge James R. Habeck R. James Judge remodeling project of the courthouse.” the of project remodeling upcoming an with integrated be should “This said. Judge Court Circuit County Shawano security,”improve to taken be to steps and quarters office their of evaluation an performed employees, their with working heads, department attack, simulated and instruction two years after earning a bachelor’s degree from the UW-the from degree bachelor’s a earning after years two system.” judicial County Racine the for gain huge a been “Education’shas loss TimesJournal (Racine) 2017. 3, Jan. on retire will he that July in announced of edition future a in provided be will coverage (Additional release. press a in Higginbotham said judge,” a Wisconsinof as Team.Management Offenders Sex to Approaches Comprehensive Corrections of Wisconsinthe Department and Committee, VictimCourt Panel Circuit Impact County WisconsinTrust (WisTAF), Foundation Account Dane State Bar President Bar State now-former members,” our to service quality of champion a Bar,Statebut the of face the only not become has George WisconsinLegislature. the for worked previously having after director affairs order.”very,tall a very be will that – George for replacement a successor,but Wea find will The newspaper noted that Ptacek taught mathematics for mathematics taught Ptacek that noted newspaper The Judge Court Circuit County Racine people the serve to privilege a and honor an been has “It “In his 30 years of service to the lawyers of Wisconsin,of lawyers the to service of years 30 his “In Brown began working for the State Bar in 1986 as public as 1986 in Bar State the for working began Brown with. serve to delight a been has who friend warm a is “He NEWS AND NOTES NEWS AND NOTES The ThirdBranch The Ralph Cagle Ralph led its coverage of the news, noting: news, the of coverage its led Responsibilities Section, Responsibilities and Rights Individual Bar’s part in a classroom instruction classroom a in part took first staff County simulation. the for attackers of roles the played Departments Sheriffs County Shawano the and Police City Shawano the of Members spring. this employees County Shawano for held training shooter active an for courthouse mock a as served County Shawano in member of the Wisconsinthe Stateof member judge. court municipal Madison’sof first city the as and judge, Court Circuit County Dane a as served previously He 2003. of since Court Appeals 2017. 31, July on ends term current his when election re- seek not will he announced Judge place. took attach simulated the before .) An abandoned hospital building hospital abandoned An Higginbotham has served as a as served has Higginbotham the on served has Higginbotham District IV Court of Court Appeals IV District “After completion of the of completion “After Paul B. Higginbotham B. Paul said in a press release. press a in said continued from page 16 page from continued Gerald P.Gerald Ptacek James R. Habeck R. James The has Municipal Court Judge Court Municipal Sentinel Journal Milwaukee the by 23 July on print in and online featured prominently was judges court ThirdBranch.) of edition future a in provided be will coverage (Additional judge. Court Circuit County Racine a appointed was 1988, attorney,in district and a became school, 2000. Times told Ptacek be,” to wanted Madison. seminars. clerks municipal and judges municipal the both for members faculty as served have and Committee Education Judge Municipal the on serve Both 2002. since Mosley it.” keep can I as long as gift this keep to can I best the do just is do can that. I like All something repay ever you do “How 2014. in disease renal end-stage with diagnosed Mosley,was ailing who the to kidney a donated Mosley’sbabysitting children. husband her and Eiring and barbecues, throwing birthdays, celebrating them with article, the to according families, their of both include to years the over grew friendship The 2003. in seminar judicial Eiring Judge Court Municipal Brookfield and many other hearings for other judges,” she said. said. she judges,” other for hearings other many and trials jury doing often were we so judges, other out helping judges. fellow his help to willingness Justice...” Sweet retirement. of time the near happening mark say,500 the must I timing good was It up. came juries 500 of number the how is That through. sat he trials jury of number the of total running the being them of one them, of few a quite on in focused “He said. years 24 Zapf expert,” number and statistics staff. judicial his to according 31, July on retirement his to prior just trial Konkol Lee Daniel this.” on work to able be to fortunate as just feel I So anything. do can’t and helpless are you and sick is someone when frustrating “It’ssaying. so as quoted is better,”Eiring life his make and donors. organ for need the of awareness raise would that hopes the in surgery transplant the document and story their The close bond between two municipal two between bond close The law to went Ptacek teaching, of Instead I where wasn’t that but teachers, both were parents “My The two judges had invited the invited had judges two The and 1991, since judge municipal a as served has Eiring paper.the essentially,”told life, Mosley my her owe “I Eiring when July in solidified truly was friendship the But “He was always one of those judges who never said no to no said never who judges those of one always was “He Konkol’sto part, in due, is number high the said Zapf say,a must was I Konkol, “Judge Judge Court Circuit County Milwaukee out him help to is it feeling good a what you tell can’t “I , Konkol’s court reporter for the past the for Konkol’sreporter , court as noted in an article published in published article an in noted as said they have been close friends since they met at a at met they since friends close been have they said iihdhs50hjury 500th his finished Derek Mosley Derek The Journal The . Milwaukee . Christine Journal Sentinel Journal JoAnn The and Judge Gerald P.Gerald Judge Ptacek Judge Daniel Lee Konkol Lee Daniel Judge to tell to n

The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 25 The Third Branch e-mail 261-6640 (608) phone 53701-1688 WI Madison, P.O.1688 Box Officer Information Court TomSheehan to: ideas article and comments, questions, Send system. court Wisconsin the to interest of news providing Office, Stateof Courts Director the of publication quarterly Branch Third The Foster Sara Court Circuit VernonCounty Rosborough J. Michael Hon. Zaccard Michelle TomSheehan Rottier Nancy Peterson Amber Olson Ann Klaske M. Ardell Kirk M. Philip Hon. Harth David Foster Sara Burke Katy Foster Sara TomSheehan Moran Denis J. Roggensack Drake Patience (608) 267-0980 (608) fax [email protected] Graphic Design/Layout Graphic Editorial Advisor Writers Contributing Editor Associate Editor StateCourtsof Director Justice Chief www.wicourts.gov is a is past 25 years were serving the public. the serving were years 25 past her as fulfilling as years 25 next the make peoples’lives. of part a felt and co-workers her with friends many made she said Fus system Bohren. O. Michael Judge for 1 Branch in work to continued Fus retirement, years. Wimmer’sseven After than more for with Wimmer,worked Joseph she whom successor,Snyder’sJudge by hired was and said. Fus attended,” he party,retirement which my at him forgave ultimately however,I him, with work Appeals. of Court the to appointed was Snyder work, of day first her before said Fus Subcommittee. Decision-Making Safety recently,Child the Workgroup,Permanency most and, Subcommittee, Court Families and Children Subcommittee, Education and Care Home Out-of- inception: its since subcommittees ommission.htm www.wicourts.gov/courts/committees/ccipc at: found be can information More Program. Children’sImprovement Court the by provided coordination and support law.of rule the to according disputes resolving effectively and fairly system’sof court responsibility the fulfilling while families and children for outcomes positive achieving in judiciary the of role integral the recognizes Commission others. among departments, services social county of representatives and courts state Commission In her retirement, Fus said she hoped to hoped she said Fus retirement, her In court the with years 25 those During again position the for interviewed Fus to able be not to disappointed was “I Topics covered at recent meetings: recent Topicsat covered four of total a had has Commission The Meetings are held twice per year,with per twice held are Meetings the recommendations, making When RETIREMENTS RETIREMENTS • Federal Preventing Sex TraffickingSex Preventing Federal • CCIPProject • Timeliness Measures Initiative Engagement Judicial Programs Family Casey • Plan & Review Services Family and Child • WelfareChild Model • Practice Fatalities Child Preventing and Safety Improving on Institute Branch Three • Families and Children of Department the Transitionto Justice Juvenile Community • TraffickingAnti-Human • Task Force Experiences Childhood Adverse • . continued from page 10 page from continued continued from page 24 page from continued Mayr. deputy,Sue long-time Brenda her by said. Pecha years,” 34 nearly for County Langlade of citizens the and system court Wisconsinthe circuit for official court a as serve to opportunity the given been have 1982. since position that in served having after 5 June on retired Pecha S. Joy Clerk Court Juvenile Clerk Court Juvenile and Probate in Register County Langlade Pecha S. Joy Services Services Social of Department County Marathon Vickiand Services; Tylka,Human director, of Department County director,Kenosha CPS of Division Rogers, Ron Courts; State of Director Moran, Denis J. Nation; Oneida Atty.Mays, Michelle Court; Circuit County Marathon Marcus, Sandra Commissioner Families; and Children of Department Wisconsinliaison, tribal Lozano, Stephanie Office; Law Lehto Lehto, Duke Atty. Services; Protective Child Milwaukee of administrator,Division Joseph, Robin Dr. counsel; corporation assistant County Atty.Jasmer,Molly Waukesha Heenan; & Scott Block, Atty.Heenan, Douglas Court; Circuit County Dane Gaylord, Shelley Judge Instruction; Public of Department consultant, education Dibble, Nic Children, Youthfor Coalition Families; and officer,Carey,executive Oriana chief Court District Administrator; Judicial Seventh Brummond, Patrick Program; director,Children’sImprovement Court Bauman, Bridget Court; Circuit County Rock R. Bates, Judge Alan Families; and Children of WisconsinDepartment Eloise Secretary Anderson, Abrahamson; S. Shirley Justice include commission the Pecha has been succeeded in the position the in succeeded been has Pecha to privilege a and honor an been has “It and Probate in Register County Langlade In addition to the co-chairs, members of members co-chairs, the to addition In Subcommittee and Pilot and Subcommittee Decision-Making Safety Child • TrainingUpdates • WisconsinLegislation • Regulations WelfareChild Indian Updated • Act Families Strengthening Act and n n

The ThiRD BRANCh 2016 Summer 26