Judge Marina Spahr Investiture Photos from Oct. 10

South Central Judicial District Judge Marina Spahr was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck on October 10. Attached are the photos.

ECJD Judge Chase announces resignation

East Central Judicial District Judge Nicholas Chase has given notice of his resignation effective Oct. 10.

Judge Andrew Eyre Investiture - October 2 Photos

Northeast Central Judicial District Judge Andrew Eyre was formally sworn in in a ceremony held on October 2 at the Grand Forks County Courthouse.

Photos from the Retirement Celebration for Judge Donovan Foughty

A retirement celebration for Judge Donovan Foughty was recently held on September 23, 2025 in Devils Lake

Northeast Judicial Applicants to be Considered for Judicial Appointment

In response to a judicial opening in the Northeast Judicial District created by the retirement of Judge Donovan J. Foughty, four attorneys have submitted an application for consideration by the Judicial Nominating Committee.

Judge Steven A. Lautt Investiture - August 22 Photos

North Central Judicial District Judge Steven A. Lautt was formally sworn in in a ceremony held on August 22, 2025 at the Ward County Courthouse. Several Supreme Court Justices, Governor Armstrong, and District court judges were in attendance.

Judge Eyre Investiture

Judge Andrew Eyre's formal investiture ceremony will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Grand Forks County Courthouse.

Judge Foughty retirement celebration set for September 23, 2025

A retirement party in honor of Northeast Judicial District Presiding Judge Donovan J. Foughty will be held on September 23 at the Memorial Building in Devils Lake.

Armstrong appoints Grand Forks attorney Eyre to Northeast Central Judicial District Judgeship effective Aug. 29

Gov. Kelly Armstrong appoints Grand Forks attorney Andrew Eyre to Northeast Central Judicial District Judgeship on Thursday, July 24th.

Armstrong appoints Bismarck attorney Spahr to South Central Judicial District judgeship

Gov. Kelly Armstrong appoints Bismarck attorney Marina Spahr to South Central Judicial District judgeship on Thursday, July 17th.

NCJD Judge Lautt investiture set for August 22, 2025

The investiture of North Central Judicial District Judge Steven A. Lautt will be held on August 22nd at the Ward County Courthouse in Minot.

Judge Donovan Foughty to Retire

Northeast Judicial District Judge Donovan Foughty has announced that he will retire effective September 30, 2025.

Lautt Appointed to North Central Judicial District Judgeship

Governor Armstrong appoints Minot attorney Steven Lautt to North Central Judicial District judgeship

Judge Mattson retirement celebration set for June 2nd.

A retirement celebration in honor of North Central Judicial District Judge Douglas L. Mattson will be held on June 2nd at the Ward County Courthouse in Minot

Judge Reich retirement celebration set for June 6

A retirement party in honor of South Central Judicial District Judge David Reich will be held on June 6 at the Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck.

Judge John A. Thelen to Retire

Northeast Central Judicial District Judge John A. Thelen has announced his intent to retire effective August 1, 2025.

Judge Jason J. Hammes Investiture - March 14 Photos

South Central Judicial District Judge Jason J. Hammes was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck on March 14, 2025. Attached are the photos.

Judge Ryan J. Younggren Investiture - March 7 Photos

East Central Judicial District Judge Ryan J. Younggren was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo on March 7, 2025. Attached are the photos.

Judge Reich to Retire

South Central Judicial District Judge David E. Reich has announced that he will retire effective June 6, 2025. Judge Reich has served the South Central Judicial District #1 since 2006.

Judge Douglas L. Mattson to Retire

North Central Judicial District Judge Douglas L. Mattson has announced that he will retire effective June 1, 2025.

ECJD Judge Younggren investiture set for March 7, 2025

The investiture of East Central Judicial District Judge Ryan J. Younggren will be held March 7, 2025 at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo.

Judge Irby Retirement

East Central Judicial District Presiding Judge John Irby to retire on 12/31/2024.

Judge Romanick Retirement

South Central Judicial District Presiding Judge Bruce Romanick to retire on December 31st.

Judge John Irby Reflects on His Years as a District Judge

The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead published an interview with Judge John Irby on December 11th about his 22 years of service as a district judge and upcoming retirement.

Judge Hovey Elected to Administrative Council

Judge James Hovey has been re-elected to serve as the Unit 2 at-large representative to the Administrative Council.

Judge Donavan Foughty moderates panel for National Association of Women Judges

North Dakota District Judge Donovan Foughty, was the moderator of a national panel on a program sponsored by the National Association of Women Judges on May 8, 2024. The program was entitled “Microaggressions: Part 2, "When the Judge Commits the Microaggression”.

Judge James Shockman Investiture Photos - March 22, 2024

Southeast Judicial District Judge James Shockman was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse in Jamestown on March 22. Attached are the photos.

Judge Theodore T. Sandberg Investiture March 8, 2024 Photos

The formal Investiture Ceremony for Judge Theodore T Sandberg was held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the Grand Forks County Courthouse.

Judge Irby announces retirement

East Central Judicial District Judge John Irby has announced that he will not be running for reelection in 2024. Judge Irby was appointed District Judge in 2002.

NECJD Judge Sandberg investiture set for March 8, 2024

The investiture of Northeast Central Judicial District Judge Theodore T. Sandberg will be held March 8, 2024 at the Grand Forks County Courthouse in Grand Forks.

Judge joins Salus Populi advisory board

North Dakota Judge Donovan Foughty has been named to the Advisory Board of Salus Populi.

Governor appoints Sandberg to NECJD judgeship

Gov. Doug Burgum on Jan. 10 announced the appointment of attorney Theodore "Ted" Sandberg to Judgeship Number 2 in the Northeast Central Judicial District.

Judge Romanick will not run for reelection in SCJD

South Central Judicial District Judge Bruce Romanick has announced that he will not be running for reelection in 2024. Judge Romanick was first elected district judge in 2000.

Nominating committee forwards four NECJD candidates to governor

Judicial Nominating Committee Forwards Four Names to Governor Doug Burgum for the Northeast Central Judicial District Judgeship

Shockman appointed to SEJD judgeship

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed LaMoure County State’s Attorney James Shockman to an open judgeship in the Southeast Judicial District.

Judge Stephanie R. Hayden Investiture - Nov. 6 Photos

East Central Judicial District Judge Stephanie R. Hayden was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo on November 6. Attached are the photos.

Judge Hartl Romanick Retires

Northeast Central Judicial District Judge Lolita Hartl Romanick has retired, effective Nov. 1, 2023.

Judge Hayden Investiture set for Nov. 6th

An investiture ceremony for East Central Judicial District Judge Stephanie R. Hayden will be held Monday, November 6th at 2:00 P.M. in Courtroom 302 at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo.

Judge Chas Neff, Jr. Investiture - October 11th Photos

Northwest District Judge Chas Neff, Jr. was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the Williams County Courthouse in Williston on Oct. 11. Here are the photos.

Judge Kristi P. Venhuizen Investiture - September 26th Photos

Northeast Central Judicial District Judge Kristi Venhuizen was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the Grand Forks County Courthouse in Grand Forks on Sept. 26. Attached are the photos.

Judge Jackson J. Lofgren Investiture - August 25th Photos

South Central District Judge Jackson Lofgren was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck on Aug. 25. Here are the photos.

Judge Venhuizen investiture set for Sept. 26th

The investiture ceremony for Judge Kristi Venhuizen will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 26th at the Grand Forks County Courthouse.

Judge Lolita G. Hartl Romanick to Retire

Northeast Central Judicial District Judge Lolita G. Hartl Romanick has announced that she will retire effective November 1, 2023.

Judge Lofgren investiture set for Aug. 25th

The investiture ceremony for Judge Jackson J. Lofgren will be held at 3:30 P.M. on Friday, August 25th at the Burleigh County Courthouse.

Judge Neff investiture set for Oct. 11

The investiture ceremony for Judge Chas Neff, Jr. will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11th at the Williams County Courthouse.

Clark and Hayden appointed District Court Judge

Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Cherie Clark, Stephanie Hayden to new judgeships in East Central Judicial District.

Venhuizen appointed District Court Judge

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Kristi Venhuizen to a judgeship in the Northeast Central Judicial District. Judge Venhuizen will be chambered in Grand Forks.

Judge Bruce Bohlman 1939-2023

Retired Northeast Central Judicial District Judge Bruce Bohlman died June 27. A graduate of the UND School of Law, he was admitted to the N.D. bar in 1969. Services will be held Thursday, July 6, in Grand Forks.

Committee sends candidates for ECJD vacancy to governor

The Judicial Nominating Committee has forwarded seven names to Gov. Doug Burgum for the two new East Central Judicial District judgeships. They are Alisha J. Ankers, Cherie L. Clark, Scott O. Diamond, Daniel Gast, Stephanie R. Hayden, Jenny M. Samarzja, and Ryan J. Younggren.

Governor appoints Neff to NWJD judgeship

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Charles “Chas” Neff Jr. to a judgeship in the Northwest Judicial District.

Committee sends candidates for NECJD vacancy to governor

The Judicial Nominating Committee has forwarded three names to Gov. Doug Burgum for the new Northeast Central Judicial District judgeship. They are Megan Jo Kvasager Essig, David N. Ogren, and Kristi Pettit Venhuizen.

Applicants pursue NECJD, ECJD judicial opportunities

The Judicial Nominating Committee has received applications from eight candidates for the new Northeast Central Judicial District judgeship and 13 candidates for the two new East Central Judicial District judgeships.

Nominating committee seeks applicants for 3 judicial vacancies

The Judicial Nominating Committee is seeking applicants to fill three new judicial positions created by HB 1002. Applications are due Tuesday, June 6.

Judge Foughty leads national racial and ethnic fairness conference

From May 21-24, Northeast Judicial District Presiding Judge Donovan Foughty will be heading the 35th annual conference of the National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts.

Three apply for NWJD judge vacancy

Three attorneys have applied to be considered for appointment to the Northwest Judicial District vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul W. Jacobson. They are Charles Neff, Jr., Jonathan J. Smith, and Christopher K. Votava.

Judge Thornton welcomed to the bench

In a formal investiture ceremony May 3, Judge Nicholas D. Thornton was installed on the Southeast Judicial District bench.

Deadline extended for applicants to NWJD vacancy

The Judicial Nominating Committee has extended the deadline for applications from qualified attorneys interested in the Northwest Judicial District vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul W. Jacobson.

Judge Thornton investiture to be held May 3

An investiture ceremony for Southeast Judicial District Judge Nicholas D. Thornton will be held Wednesday, May 3 at 2:30 p.m. in the Third Floor Courtroom of the Barnes County Courthouse in Valley City.

Nominating committee seeks applicants for NWJD vacancy

The Judicial Nominating Committee is accepting applications from qualified attorneys interested in the Northwest Judicial District vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul W. Jacobson.

Lofgren appointed to SCJD judgeship

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Jackson Lofgren to fill the judge vacancy in the South Central Judicial District. He will start work on May 1.

Judicial Nominating Committee sends SCJD candidates to governor

The Judicial Nominating Committee has forwarded four candidates to Gov. Doug Burgum for his consideration for appointment to the vacant judgeship in the South Central Judicial District. They are Jason J. Hammes, Jackson J. Lofgren, David R. Phillips, and Matthew A. Sagsveen, all of Bismarck.  

Nine apply for appointment to SCJD judge vacancy

Nine lawyers have applied to be considered for the South Central Judicial District judge vacancy: Anna A. Argenti, C. Quinn H. Askew, Patrick A. Brooke, Mary E. DePuydt, Jason J. Hammes, Amanda R. Harris, Jackson J. Lofgren, David R. Phillips, and Matthew A. Sagsveen.

NWJD Judge Jacobson to retire

Northwest Judicial District Judge Paul W. Jacobson has announced that he will retire effective May 31.

Judge Cleveland investiture to be held March 10

An investiture ceremony for East Central Judicial District Judge Constance L. Cleveland will be held March 10 in Fargo.

ECJD honors Judge Marquart

A retirement celebration in honor of East Central Judicial District Judge Steven L. Marquart was held Dec. 28 at the Cass County Courthouse.

Judge Marquart retirement celebration set for Dec. 28

A retirement party in honor of East Central Judicial District Judge Steven L. Marquart will be held Dec. 28 at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo.

NECJD dedicates courtroom to retired Judge Jahnke

On Dec. 5, the Northeast Central Judicial District dedicated its new Courtroom 109 to retired District Judge Lawrence Jahnke.

Dillon appointed referee and magistrate in NCJD

Kelly Dillon has been appointed full-time referee and magistrate for the North Central Judicial District.

Dakota Datebook: Judge Lester Ketterling

Prairie Public has published a profile of Judge Lester Ketterling, who was the second blind person admitted to the N.D. bar and who served as county and district judge.

Judge Hill elected to ABA Board of Governors

South Central Judicial District Judge James S. Hill has been elected a member of the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association representing District 10. His first board meeting will be in November.

Judge Chase formally installed on bench

On Sept. 21, East Central Judicial District Judge Nicholas W. Chase was installed on the bench in a formal investiture ceremony at the Cass County courthouse.

ECJD Judge Chase investiture set for Sept. 21

The investiture of East Central Judicial District Judge Nicholas Chase will be held Sept. 21 at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo.

Chase appointed to ECJD judgeship

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Interim U.S. Attorney Nick Chase of Fargo to a judgeship in the East Central Judicial District.

Four apply to fill ECJD judge vacancy

Four people have submitted applications to fill the East Central Judicial District vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Thomas R. Olson. They are: Nicholas W. Chase, Judge Cherie L. Clark, Stephanie R. Hayden and Monty G. Mertz.

SEJD Judge Blumer will not seek re-election

Southeast Judicial District Judge Mark Blumer has given notice that he will not seek re-election. His term ends Dec. 31.

ECJD Judge Olson announces resignation

East Central Judicial District Judge Thomas Olson has given notice of his resignation effective April 30.

ECJD Judge Marquart will not seek reelection

East Central Judicial District Judge Steven L. Marquart has announced that he will not seek reelection and will depart his position when his term expires Dec. 31, 2022.

Governor appoints Nieuwsma to SCJD judgeship

Governor Doug Burgum announced Sept. 1 that he has appointed Judicial Referee Lindsey R. Nieuwsma of Bismarck to the open seat on the bench in the South Central Judicial District.

ECJD Judge Brady investiture postponed

The formal investiture of East Central Judicial District Judge Reid Brady, which was set for Aug. 27, has been postponed indefinitely due to the rise of coronavirus cases.

ECJD Referee Griffeth to retire Oct. 1

East Central Judicial District Referee and Magistrate Scott A. Griffeth has announced his retirement from the court system effective Oct. 1.

Committee sends 3 nominees for SCJD judge vacancy to governor

The Judicial Nominating Committee has selected three nominees for the open seat on the bench in the South Central Judicial District: Travis W. Finck, Micheal A. Mulloy, and Lindsey R. Nieuwsma.

Four attorneys seek SCJD judgeship

Four lawyers have submitted an application to the Judicial Nominating Committee for the South Central Judicial District vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John W. Grinsteiner. They are Justin M. Balzer, Travis W. Finck, Micheal A. Mulloy and Lindsey R. Nieuwsma.

Judge Agotness formally takes bench in NEJD

An investiture ceremony for Judge Kari M. Agotness was held July 23 at the Cavalier County courthouse in Langdon. Judge Donovan Foughty presided over the event and Chief Justice Jon Jensen and Leslie Bakken Oliver, general counsel for Governor Doug Burgum, presented remarks.

Notice of Judicial Vacancy: South Central Judicial District

The Judicial Nominating Committee is now accepting applications to fill a judgeship vacancy in the South Central Judicial District. Applications are due Tuesday, July 27.

Judge Agotness investiture set for July 23

The formal investiture of Northeast Judicial District Judge Kari M. Agotness will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 23, at the Cavalier County Courthouse in Langdon.

SCJD Judge Grinsteiner to retire Aug. 20

South Central Judicial District Judge John Grinsteiner has announced his retirement effective Aug. 20.

Judge Foughty chairs panel at conference on racial and ethnic fairness in the courts

On May 25, Northeast Judicial District Presiding Judge Donovan J. Foughty chaired a panel on "Supporting Diverse and Inclusive Juries” at the annual conference of the National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts.

Judge Fontaine retirement celebration to be held May 21

A retirement celebration for Northeast Judicial District Judge Laurie Fontaine will be held Friday, May 21, at the Cavalier Transit Center.

Gov. Burgum appoints Agotness to NEJD judgeship

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Ramsey County State’s Attorney Kari Agotness to a judgeship in the Northeast Judicial District, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Laurie Fontaine.

Judicial nominating committee forwards nominees for NEJD vacancy

The Judicial Nominating Committee has selected four nominees for the open seat on the bench in the Northeast Judicial District: Kari M. Agotness, Kelley Marie Riley Cole, Robert C. Fleming and Joshua E. Frey.

Remarkable Women: Gail Hagerty

KX News: "Gail Hagerty was elected as Burleigh County Judge in 1987, which at that time, was still uncommon to see a female judge."

Romanick elected as SCJD presiding judge

Judge Bruce Romanick has been elected to serve as the next presiding judge of the South Central Judicial District. His term will begin March 17, 2020 and run through January 31, 2022.

Burgum appoints Bismarck attorney Bobbi Weiler to South Central Judicial District judgeship

News Release: "Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Bismarck attorney Bobbi Weiler to a judgeship in the South Central Judicial District, effective in March 2020."

4 finalists chosen for SCJD judge vacancy

The Judicial Nominating Committee has named four attorneys as finalists for appointment to the South Central Judicial District judgeship vacancy that will be created by the retirement of Judge Gail Hagerty. They are Jessica J. Binder of Stanton and Paul H. Myerchin, Matthew A. Sagsveen and Bobbi Brown Weiler, all of Bismarck.

Eight attorneys apply for SCJD judgeship vacancy

Eight attorneys have applied to be considered for appointment to the South Central Judicial District judgeship vacancy that will be created by the retirement of Judge Gail Hagerty.

Notice of Judicial Vacancy - South Central Judicial District

The Judicial Nominating Committee has received a letter from Governor Doug Burgum convening the Committee to screen applicants and submit a list of nominees to fill a judgeship vacancy in the South Central Judicial District.

Judge Racek will not seek reelection in ECJD

East Central Judicial District Presiding Judge Frank Racek has announced that he will not be running for reelection in 2020. Judge Racek served as a county judge from 1988-1994 and was first elected district judge in 1994.

Local district judge goes the extra mile

KX Net: "Five years ago, David Reich started Runners Against Destructive Decisions, or RADD, to give those working on recovery, or through probation, something else positive to work toward. The idea took off, because, when you’re out there running, there’s no telling who is the judge, or police chief, or who is in recovery."