Vilas county has missed the initial cut to add another judgeship.
As authorized by newly enacted legislation, Director of State Courts Randy Koschnick named four counties for new circuit court branches effective August 1, 2021. Those counties include Calumet, Dunn, Jackson and Marathon. Elections for the circuit judges in those counties will take place next year.
Koshnick said he selected the counties based on caseload analysis, need, county board support and the ability to have the facilities in place by the effective date.
In a recent story on WXPR, Vilas County Circuit Judge Neal Nielsen is handling about 700 new criminal cases a year. Nielsen also hears civil cases.
Last week, Governor Evers authorized 12 circuit court branches during the next three years, in 2021, which were just announced, and again in 2022 and 2023.
