UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Second Circuit Treatment Courts to Hold Two Graduations
Second Circuit Treatment Courts invite the public to help recognize participants who have successfully completed all phases and requirements of the drug court and DUI court programs.
Commission on Indigent Legal Services to Meet on November 18
The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services will meet virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. CST.
Sixth Circuit Treatment Court to Hold Graduation on November 18
Sixth Circuit Treatment Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. CST at the Capitol Lake Visitors Center in Pierre.
Hundreds of South Dakotans Trained on Child Abuse Prevention
More than 400 professionals in the child advocacy field attended the 26th Annual Community Response to Child Abuse Conference held Oct. 8, 2026, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
South Dakota Drug Court Advisory Council to Meet on October 20
The South Dakota Drug Court Advisory Council will meet virtually on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. to noon CDT.
Gov. Rhoden Appoints Kellen Willert as Fourth Circuit Judge
Gov. Larry Rhoden on Oct. 8, 2026, announced the appointment of Kellen B. Willert as a circuit judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, a vacancy created by the departure of Judge John Fitzgerald.
Organizations Partner to Train on Child Abuse Prevention on October 8
With more than 400 South Dakotans attending, the 26th Annual Community Response to Child Abuse Conference takes place on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Supreme Court to Consider Rule Proposal to Merge Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) State Court Administrator’s Office has formally proposed a rule to the South Dakota Supreme Court that would merge the Fourth Judicial Circuit and Seventh Judicial Circuit.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Issues FY 2026 Annual Report
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) has issued its FY 2026 Annual Report, which encompasses the work of the South Dakota Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts and the State Court Administrator’s Office from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Pennington County Drug Court Graduates Mark Recovery Milestone
Participants in Pennington County Drug Court celebrated the completion of the court-supervised treatment program during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the Pennington County Courthouse.