PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2025
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031
Judge Gregory J. Stoltenburg Reappointed as Presiding Judge of Third Judicial Circuit
PIERRE, S.D.—Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen announced today the reappointment of the Honorable Gregory J. Stoltenburg, Brookings, as Presiding Judge for the Third Judicial Circuit. Judge Stoltenburg’s reappointment follows the reselection of Jensen as Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Pursuant to Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the chief justice and serve at the chief justice’s pleasure. Presiding judges are administrative heads of their respective circuits. The Third Judicial Circuit consists of Beadle, Brookings, Clark, Codington, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Hand, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Miner, Moody and Sanborn counties.
“Judge Stoltenburg exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity and dedication in the Third Judicial Circuit,” said Chief Justice Jensen. “His practical and insightful leadership of the circuit has continued to improve and uphold the standards of justice and the smooth operation of the courts in the circuit.”
Judge Stoltenburg received his undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University in 1986 and his juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1995. He worked as a law clerk for the South Dakota Supreme Court from 1995 to 1996, as Deuel County Deputy State’s Attorney from 1996 to 2000, as Deuel County State’s Attorney from 2000 to 2012, and in private law practice from 1996 to 2012. He also served in the South Dakota Army National Guard from 1981 to 1993 and 1995 to 2017. Judge Stoltenburg was appointed a circuit court judge for the Third Judicial Circuit in 2013 and has served as presiding judge since 2015.
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For a photo of Judge Stoltenburg, click here.
About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.