KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Judge Anne E. Blatchford has announced her retirement from the 8th District Court in Kalamazoo County after serving for more than 17 years.
Kalamazoo County officials said Tuesday that Judge Blatchford had made the announcement last week.
Judge Blatchford was first elected in 2004, reelected in 2010, and again in 2018. In addition to her responsibilities presiding over a docket, county officials said she was instrumental in implementing and presiding over programs that focused on therapeutic justice.
Judge Blatchford presided over the 9th Circuit Court Women’s Drug Treatment Court Program, established and presided over a Domestic Violence Court Review Program, and set and presided over a Young Adult Diversion Court Program.
Officials add that throughout her tenure, she was passionate about the need for the judicial system to positively impact the community through programs like these that focus on counseling, education, and support.
The 8th District Court provided the following statement on this development:
“On behalf of Kalamazoo County, we want to say thank you to Judge Blatchford for her dedication to Kalamazoo. For nearly two decades of service and career-long efforts to promote the cause of justice, uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of our citizens. We wish her well in her years of retirement ahead.”
The 8th district court will await an appointment from Governor Gretchen Whitmer as it begins selecting a new judge.
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