Barron County judges take on added duties after vacancy from a retirement

Chris Vetter, The Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wis.
Updated ·4 min read

Nov. 7—BARRON — The retirement of Barron County Judge J.M. Bitney has led to challenges keeping up with all the court activities, as the governor has so far not appointed a replacement.

Bitney, who was appointed as judge in 2013 by former Governor Scott Walker and re-elected in 2014 and 2020, announced in mid-May he was retiring, effective Sept. 15. That means an election will be held in April to fill Bitney's seat. However, the winner of the April election won't be sworn in until Aug. 1, as that gives the attorney time to shut down his practice and hand off all cases.

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