Governor Rounds Appoints Circuit Judge

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT: Joe Kafka or Roxy Everson, 605-773-3212

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds has appointed Gregory lawyer Wally Eklund as a circuit judge to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of 7^th Judicial Circuit Judge Merton Tice.

 

“I am pleased that Wally Eklund has agreed to become a circuit judge,” the Governor said today. “His many years of experience, as well as his demeanor, will serve the citizens well in western South Dakota.”

 

Eklund received a business degree from Black Hills State University in 1968 and graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1971. He has been in private law practice since 1971 and has handled litigation in both the state and federal court systems. He also has served as state’s attorney in Gregory County, as well as attorney for the City of Gregory and the Gregory School District.

 

“I am grateful that the Governor chose to appoint me to the circuit court,” Eklund said. “I’m sure many qualified and deserving candidates applied for the position. I’ll do my best to serve the people of the state of South Dakota.”

 

The 7^th Judicial Circuit includes Custer, Fall River, Pennington and Shannon counties.

 

Tice, who resigned Jan. 10, 2010, had been a circuit judge since 1975.