BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has appointed Belle Fourche attorney Kellen B. Willert as a judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
Willert fills the vacancy created by the departure of Judge John Fitzgerald and will serve a circuit that handles criminal, civil, and family court cases across western South Dakota.
Willert brings experience in estate planning, municipal law, complex litigation, and military law. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University and earned his law degree with honors from the University of South Dakota School of Law. He also previously served as a law clerk in the Fifth Judicial Circuit before entering private practice in Belle Fourche.
In announcing the appointment, Governor Rhoden praised Willert’s legal background, military service, and commitment to public service. Willert currently serves as a lieutenant colonel in the South Dakota Army National Guard.
Willert said he is honored by the appointment and pledged to uphold the law with integrity, fairness, and impartiality.
The Fourth Judicial Circuit serves communities throughout western South Dakota and is one of the state’s busiest judicial districts.
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