Governor Evers Names Emily Nolan-Plutchak as First Female Judge for Wood County Circuit Court

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers has named Emily Nolan-Plutchak to the Wood County Circuit Court, filling the vacancy left by Judge Todd Wolf’s retirement. Nolan-Plutchak’s term is set to conclude on July 31, 2026.

“I am honored to take on this role and to serve the people of Wood County,” Nolan-Plutchak stated. “I appreciate Governor Evers for his trust and confidence in me. My dedication to the residents of this beautiful county is clear: I will base my decisions on facts and the law, ensure respect for everyone who appears before me, collaborate to enhance the criminal justice system, and carry out my duties with humility and a deep respect for the rule of law.”

Nolan-Plutchak began her legal career as a public defender in Missouri before relocating to central Wisconsin in 2007. For almost 20 years, she has engaged in public defense work across Wood, Adams, and Portage Counties and currently serves as the local attorney manager in Wisconsin Rapids for the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office.

In her role as an assistant state public defender, she has advocated for indigent clients facing a variety of charges, including misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile matters. As local attorney manager, she oversees caseloads in Wood and Adams Counties, which includes coordinating appointments for private attorneys.

Since 2007, Nolan-Plutchak has been part of the Wood County Adult Drug Treatment Court team and has contributed significantly to the development of best practices for drug treatment courts at the local, state, and national levels.

“Attorney Nolan-Plutchak will make an excellent judge for Wood County,” Sheriff Shawn Becker commented. “Her ability to foster collaborative relationships for community safety has earned her my trust. She embodies integrity, legal expertise, and a strong commitment to Wood County.”

Nolan-Plutchak holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University Law School. She is a board member of Three Bridges Recovery and previously served as president of the Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals. Notably, she will be the first woman to serve as a circuit court judge in Wood County.

“Emily Nolan-Plutchak brings a wealth of integrity and a commitment to enhancing the criminal justice system to the bench,” said Governor Evers. “With her nearly two decades of experience in this community, she is well-equipped to serve the people of Wood County effectively.”

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