By Brandi Makuski

The Joint Municipal Court Oversight Committee on Wednesday morning announced it has chosen Mike McKenna to serve as the new municipal court judge.

McKenna has worked as Portage County Corporation Counsel since 1998 and had previously run unsuccessfully for circuit court judge in 2012. He has also served as an officer in the Judge Advocate Corps (JAG) with the Wisconsin Army National Guard and served overseas.

Mayor Andrew Halverson made the announcement shortly before lunch.

“He displayed an intense interest in making sure objectivity was displayed, as well as a willingness to make a very warm, welcoming environment- that was a huge piece of the city’s and the village’s point of view,” said Mayor Andrew Halverson, adding those on the committee were moved by McKenna’s administrative background and understanding of municipal ordinance law.

“The committee coalesced around Mr. McKenna’s administrative background, having run so many law offices for so many years and having an understanding of municipal law from an ordinance standard and codification point of view,” he added.

Mike McKenna

McKenna said he was “very honored” to have been considered for the position, but also noted he saw no conflicts with his position as counsel for Portage County.

“I spoke at some length with Peter Kastenholz, who is Corporation Counsel for Wood County and also serves as their municipal court judge, and he indicated he’s not had any issues,” McKenna said. “So I’m looking forward to getting the court off the ground.”

Two other applicants had been considered for the position: Zachary T. Krogman of Krogman Family Law Office on Main Street, and Melissa Dalkert, Portage Co. Assistant Family Court Commissioner who also has a private practice in Park Ridge.

“Understanding ordinances is certainly different and much more unique than understanding (state) statutes, and we were very interested in someone that had that background. Mr. McKenna clearly does,” said Halverson.

The mayor added McKenna’s employment needed to be approved by both the Village of Plover Board of Trustees, which meets Wednesday night, and by the Stevens Point Common Council during a special meeting next Monday.