Governor Rhoden Appointed New Circuit Judge
Kellen B. Willert has been selected to serve as a judge in South Dakota's Fourth Judicial Circuit.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in People
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Governor Larry Rhoden has announced the appointment of Kellen B. Willert to the position of circuit judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The announcement was made in Sioux Falls.
Why it matters
Judicial appointments shape the administration of justice within the state circuit court system, determining which individuals oversee legal proceedings in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
The appointment fills a position in the Fourth Judicial Circuit following a career that includes private practice in Belle Fourche and service as a law clerk for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
The players
Larry Rhoden
Larry Rhoden is the Governor of South Dakota who is responsible for making judicial appointments within the state.
Kellen B. Willert
Kellen B. Willert is the newly appointed circuit judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Dakota Army National Guard.
The details
Kellen B. Willert is a graduate of South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota School of Law. Beyond his legal background, Willert serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Dakota Army National Guard.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: Governor Rhoden announced the judicial appointment.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows the established executive authority protocol mandated under the South Dakota Codified Laws governing judicial appointment procedures. These selections represent the primary mechanism for filling vacancies within the state's judicial branch.
Residents of the Fourth Judicial Circuit will see a new judge presiding over local legal matters following the transition. This change impacts court proceedings and the assignment of cases within the district.
The takeaway
Judicial appointments are a routine function of state government that ensures the continuity of the legal system. Qualified attorneys from diverse professional backgrounds are typically selected to manage the court's caseload.
Further reading
For more information on state leadership and appointments, visit the South Dakota People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dakotanewsnow.
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