UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
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.
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.
Northern Hills Drug Court to Hold Graduation on September 29
Northern Hills Drug Court invites the public to help recognize participants who have successfully completed all phases and requirements of the treatment court program.
South Dakota Recognizes Clerks and Deputy Clerks of Court Week
Gov. Larry Rhoden has proclaimed the week of Sept. 14, 2026, as Clerks and Deputy Clerks of Court Week in South Dakota, recognizing the important role these professionals play in the administration of justice and in serving the public.
Unified Judicial System Wants to Hear from Court Users
As part of our ongoing work to build public trust and confidence in the courts through transparency, communication, education and community engagement, the South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) wants to hear from members of the public about their experiences with the state court system.
Fourth Circuit DUI Court Graduation to be Held in Deadwood on August 27
Fourth Circuit DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at noon MDT in the upstairs courtroom at the Lawrence County Courthouse, 78 Sherman St., Deadwood.
UJS to Hold Public Forums to Discuss Potential Merger of Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) will hold a series of public forums Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, to share information and gather public input on a potential merger of the Fourth and Seventh judicial circuits before any formal rule proposal is submitted to the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Timothy Barnaud Appointed Magistrate Judge in Fourth Circuit
The Unified Judicial System is pleased to announce that the South Dakota Supreme Court has appointed Timothy Barnaud as a magistrate judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
UJS Proposes Merger of Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) State Court Administrator’s Office has proposed to the South Dakota Supreme Court consideration of a merger of the administrative structures of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and Seventh Judicial Circuit.