UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Circuit Judge Magera Appointed as Presiding Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen announced today the appointment of the Honorable Gregg C. Magera as Presiding Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, following the recent, untimely death of Judge Jon Flemmer, who previously served as the Presiding Judge.
Committee on Judicial Elections Issues Opinion on Campaign Conduct on Aug. 12, 2022
The Special Committee on Judicial Election Campaign Intervention has issued formal opinion 22-01 addressing judicial election campaign conduct concerning a judicial candidate’s knowledge of who contributed to their campaign and the amount.
Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Circuit Court Judge Jon Flemmer
Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, Aug. 9, in honor of 5th Circuit Court Presiding Judge Jon Flemmer of Webster.
Fifth Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Jon Flemmer Has Passed Away
The Unified Judicial System is saddened to announce that Fifth Circuit Presiding Judge Jon Flemmer has passed away.
First Circuit Yankton County Drug & DUI Court Graduation on Aug. 3, 2022
The 1st Circuit Yankton County Drug & DUI Court is pleased to announce an upcoming graduation ceremony. The ceremony will commence on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 1:30 pm, at the Yankton County Courthouse and Safety Center.
Courthouse Security Grants Available to Counties Beginning July 1
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System has released Security Grant Guidelines and Application documents for counties interested in making courthouse security improvements statewide.
South Dakota Magistrate Judge Janki V. Sharma Appointed for the Seventh Judicial Circuit
The Honorable Craig A. Pfeifle, Presiding Judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, is pleased to announce that the South Dakota Supreme Court has approved the appointment of Janki V. Sharma as a new full-time magistrate judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.
First Circuit James Valley Drug & DUI Court Graduation on May 17, 2022
The 1st Circuit James Valley Drug & DUI Court is pleased to announce an upcoming graduation ceremony. The ceremony will commence on Thursday May 26, 2022 at 2:30 pm, at the Davison County Public Safety Center.
Supreme Court Rescinds Declaration of Judicial Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Effective June 30, 2022
The Supreme Court of South Dakota entered an ordering declaring a statewide judicial emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 13, 2020. The order rescinding the judicial emergency becomes effective June 30, 2022.
Northern Hills Drug Court and Fourth Circuit DUI Court Celebrate Commencements on May 17, 2022
The Fourth Judicial Circuit is proud to announce the Commencement Ceremony for graduates from Northern Hills Drug Court and Fourt Circuit DUI Court. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 17th, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Sturgis Community Center, 1401 Lazelle Street in Sturgis, SD.