Volume 4 | Issue 1 | January 2025

La Crosse County hosts Community Mental Health Mapping Workshop

Stakeholders came together to collaborate during a Community Mental Health Mapping Workshop in La Crosse County on January 15 and 16. The groups worked to identify gaps and improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health disorders in the justice system. This was the first of a series of similar trainings planned across Wisconsin.

MAPS training

Ninth Judicial District welcomes new District Court Administrator

Sandra La Du has been appointed as the new District Court Administrator for the Ninth Judicial District. She brings more than 25 years of experience and leadership in criminal justice to this role.

Sandra La Du

Director of State Courts strengthens legislative efforts with hire of experienced strategist

Adam Plotkin has joined the Director of State Courts office as the new Policy Initiatives Advisor & Legislative Liaison. As the first to serve in this newly created position, Plotkin will focus on advancing the court system's legislative priorities, including judicial security measures, mental health initiatives, and budget requests.

Adam Plotkin

This month at the Wisconsin Supreme Court

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in several key cases this month. For those interested in the proceedings, you can view recordings of the oral arguments linked below.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

  • 22AP718: Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Inc. v. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
  • 22AP718: Melissa A. Hubbard v. Carol J. Neuman, MD

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Wisconsin Supreme Court

Supreme Court Justices provide insight to Senate Scholars

Justices Rebecca Dallet and Janet Protasiewicz met with participants of the Senate Scholar Program on January 16 to discuss the role of the judiciary in the state's democratic system. The Senate Scholar Program, a prestigious week-long educational initiative, offers 33 high-achieving high school juniors and seniors from across Wisconsin a deep dive into the legislative process. Throughout the program, students work closely with Senators, legislative staff, and University of Wisconsin faculty, gaining hands-on experience in policy development, constituent relations, and the intricacies of processing legislation. The meeting with the Justices provided Senate Scholars with a rare opportunity to learn firsthand about the state's judicial branch and its connection to the legislative process.

Jerabek Appointed to Wood County Circuit Court

Gregory Jerabek, appointed to the Wood County Circuit Court – Branch 1 by Governor Evers, brings nearly 20 years of legal experience and a strong commitment to community service.

Gregory Jerabek

Final gavel: Judge retires from the bench

After more than two decades of service, Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael O. Bohren has announced he plans to retire.

Retirement

Child Welfare Law Orientation scheduled for April

The Children's Court Improvement Program has opened registration for the 2025 Child Welfare Law Orientation, set for April 9th-11 at The Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor. The registration deadline is March 9, after which lodging at the state rate may no longer be available.

Circuit court judges, for whom this training is mandatory as part of each six-year term beginning August 1, 2020, will receive priority if space is limited. Judges can register here. Additional details will be shared in the registration confirmation email. For more information, contact Bridget Mauerman.

CCIP