UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
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.
Treatment Court Graduation to be Held in Sturgis on May 19
Northern Hills Drug Court and Fourth Circuit DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. MDT at the Sturgis Community Center Theater at 1401 Lazelle St., Sturgis.
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen Appoints Judge Michelle K. Comer as Presiding Judge of Fourth Judicial Circuit
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has appointed the Honorable Michelle K. Comer as presiding judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
South Dakota Treatment Courts Hosting Special Events to Celebrate 2026 National Treatment Court Month
May is National Treatment Court Month and the perfect time to share the many ways treatment courts are making a positive impact on their communities.
Governor Rhoden Appoints Magistrate Judge Callahan as Fourth Circuit Judge
Gov. Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of Magistrate Judge Chad Callahan as a circuit judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mike Day.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Warns Public of Court Notice Scam
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is alerting the public to a recent scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from a state or municipal court regarding unpaid traffic violations.
Fourth Circuit Treatment Courts to Hold Graduations in January
Fourth Circuit DUI Court and Northern Hills Drug Court will hold two graduation ceremonies in January. Family, friends and members of the public are invited to attend the events.
Data Reflects Success of South Dakota’s Treatment Courts
Data from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) released during a Drug Court Advisory Council meeting on Oct. 14, 2025, highlights the success of the state’s treatment courts since their beginning in 2008.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Issues FY2025 Annual Report
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) has issued its FY2025 Annual Report, which encompasses the work of the South Dakota Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts and the State Court Administrator’s Office between July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.