County’s top attorney to retire

By Brandi Makuski

Portage Co. Corporation Counsel David Ray has announced his retirement.

Ray took his place as the county’s top legal counselor in May 2017. He steps down in January.

Ray is a graduate of Wausau West High School and worked at First Law Group in Stevens Point for about two decades.

Ray recommended his deputy, attorney David Hickethier, as his replacement. According to Hickethier’s resume, he has been working as deputy corp. counsel for Portage Co. since 2005. Prior to that, he worked in the state judge advocate’s office as a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Hickethier is a Burlington, Wis., native and has a law degree from Hamline University School of Law in Minnesota.

The Portage Co. Board of Supervisors approved Hickithier’s application on Dec. 20.