Molepske, Jr. appointed deputy chief judge for Ninth Judicial District

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — Portage County Judge Louis J. Molepske, Jr. has been selected as the new deputy chief judge for Wisconsin’s Ninth Judicial District.

His appointment, made by Chief Judge Ann Knox-Bauer, took effect Aug. 1.

As part of his additional duties, Molepske will oversee the district’s 12 municipal courts and serve as the acting chief judge when necessary.

“Judge Louis Molepske brings a wealth of experience to District Nine,” said Knox-Bauer, citing his 10-year tenure in the Wisconsin State Assembly and his nine-year service as Portage County District Attorney before becoming a judge in 2022. “I am pleased that he will be assisting me with the administration of our district’s courts, which include 37 circuit court and municipal judges.”

Molepske expressed gratitude for the appointment, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the district’s judges and ensuring the needs of the district’s 13 counties are met.

“District Nine is a diverse and very large judicial district with a reputation for strong leadership,” Molepske said. “I look forward to continuing that excellence by working with Chief Judge Knox-Bauer and my fellow judges.”

Molepske was elected after Judge Robert Shannon retired in 2022. According to a new release from Molepske’s office, he is currently visiting all 12 municipal courts in District Nine.

Molepske resides in Stevens Point with his wife and three children and serves as the Branch II judge for Portage County.