Gov Reynolds appoints Jacobsen to district court judge

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday she will appoint Jasper County Attorney Michael Jacobsen to district court judge in Iowa’s Judicial District 5A.

“Michael Jacobsen has proper judicial temperament and is well respected within his community,” Brenna Smith, press secretary Governor’s Office said. “The governor believed he would be a good fit for the district.”

Jacobsen has served as county attorney since 2009. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors originally appointed him to the position following the death of former county attorney Steve Johnson. He previously served as the assistant county attorney for nine years.

The newly-appointed district court judge received a double Bachelor of Science degree in history and political science from South Dakota State University, and a Juris doctor and doctor of jurisprudence degree from the Drake University Law School in Des Moines.

According to officials with the Governor’s Office, Jacobsen will replace Judge Paul Huscher, who recently retired. There was one other candidate considered for the position.

Judicial District 5A encompasses Jasper, Marion, Warren, Madison, Dallas and Guthrie counties.

The board of supervisors will now have to decide to appoint Jacobsen’s replacement or hold a special election to fill the seat.

Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@newtondailynews.com