MADISON – Yesterday, the Director of State Courts announced the allocation of four new circuit court branches around the state, including one in Marathon County. These new branches were made possible last week with the enactment of Act 184 (Assembly Bill 470), which was authored by a number of legislators, including Representative James Edming (R-Glen Flora).
“I am pleased to see Marathon County receive one of the new circuit court branches,” said Rep. Edming. “The county’s caseload has reached the point where another judge is needed. This new judge will help relieve some of the stress in the criminal justice system and allow it to more quickly and effectively meet the needs of the people of Marathon County.”
In addition to the four branches created in 2021, Act 184 authorizes the Director of State Courts to allocate an additional 8 new circuit court branches, four in 2022 and four in 2023. In order for a county to be awarded a branch it must have passed a resolution requesting an additional branch and, have the appropriate infrastructure to support the additional branch’s operation by May 31st of the year in which an additional branch begins operations.
“Another county that I represent that is sorely in need of a new judge is Sawyer County,” said Rep. Edming. “Just like in Marathon County, Sawyer County’s caseload has reached the point where a new judge is needed. In the coming months, I hope to see them take the needed steps to be considered for a new circuit court branch when future allocations are made by the Director of State Courts.”
