PIERRE, (KCCR) — A new judge will be guiding South Dakota’s Fourth Judicial Circuit. The Honorable Michelle K. Comer has been appointed presiding judge of the circuit that includes Ziebach, Dewey and six other north central and northwestern South Dakota counties. Comer will replace retiring presiding judge Michael W. Day who is retiring June 8th. Comer assumes presiding judge duties the next day on June 9th. Comer is a 1986 graduate of Lead High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University in 1990 and a juris doctor from the University of South Dakota four years later. Comer has been a circuit court judge since 2015. Prior to that, Comer served as a magistrate and drug court judge from 2006 to 2015. Before becoming a judge, Comer worked at several law firms and started her career as a law clerk in 1994 and deputy states attorney in 1995. South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen says Comer has demonstrated exceptional leadership, sound judgment and a deep commitment to serving the people of South Dakota. Jensen also thanked Day, saying he has been a thoughtful leader and trusted colleague whose commitment has strengthened the Fourth Judicial Circuit.





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