Gov. Tony Evers appointed Katie York to the Court of Appeals – District IV to fill the vacancy created by Judge Brian Blanchard’s retirement, with York’s term ending July 31, 2028. York, an assistant state public defender since 2008, has held multiple leadership roles within the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office and served as acting state public defender from October 2023 to June 2024. Her colleagues praised the selection, highlighting her public-service commitment and understanding of both the law and the human impact of cases. In a separate move, Evers named Judge Todd Ziegler to the Court of Appeals – District IV to fill the vacancy from Judge Chris Taylor’s election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with a term ending July 31, 2027. Ziegler has served as Monroe County Circuit Court Judge since 2007, presiding judge in the county, deputy chief judge of the 7th Judicial District since 2023, and helped establish Monroe County’s first OWI Treatment Court. Officials described Ziegler as experienced, judgmental, and valuable to the district, benefiting from broad respect among Wisconsin judges.