Circuit Courts

Governor Announces Judicial Appointments to Crook County Circuit Courts

Today Governor Kulongoski announced that he appointed Gary Williams to the Crook County Circuit Court, effective November 1, 2008, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Court Judge Gary Thompson. The Governor then appointed Daina Vitolins as the Crook County District Attorney, effective November 1, 2008, to fill the vacancy created by DA Gary Williams’ appointment to the bench. Both appointees were elected in May, 2008 to their respective seats, the terms of which begin January 1, 2009. The Governor’s appointments of Williams and Vitolins will enable them to take office two months early.

The Governor thanked Judge Thompson for his many years of service. He also congratulated Gary Williams and Daina Vitolins on their recent elections to office and thanked them for their willingness to serve the State of Oregon and Crook County.

Gary Williams has been the Crook County District Attorney since 1990 and a prosecutor for 24 years. He is active in the fields of criminal justice and child abuse prevention, and received the Governor’s Victim Service Award in 2006. He is also a member of the Oregon Mounted Governor’s Guard.

Daina Vitolins has been a Deputy District Attorney in Crook County since 2006. She also served as an Assistant Attorney General with the Department of Justice for 10 years and worked as deputy district attorney in Polk County. In 2006, she received the President’s Award from the Oregon Narcotics Enforcement Officer’s Association for her work in the area of civil and criminal forfeiture.

Governor Announces Judicial Appointments on
Lincoln and Marion County Circuit Courts

Governor Kulongoski announced two judicial appointments to the Marion and Lincoln County Circuit Courts.

Marion County:  Governor Kulongoski appointed Tracy Prall to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul Lipscomb.  The appointment is effective immediately. 

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Prall to the Marion County bench,” Governor Kulongoski said. “I am very pleased to appoint a lawyer of her caliber and intellect to serve as a judge.  Her service on the bench will be an asset to the citizens of Marion County and the State of Oregon.”

Ms. Prall received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Oregon State University and her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Willamette University.  Since 2005, she has served as a full time pro tem judge in Marion County Circuit Court.  She has presided over civil, criminal and domestic relations cases and currently oversees the juvenile court docket.  Prior to working as a pro tem judge, Ms. Prall was an attorney at Garrett Hemann Robertson, where her practice focused on civil litigation.  She also served for many years as a deputy district attorney in the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

Marion County:  The Governor appointed Lynn Ashcroft to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Terry Leggert.  Mr. Ashcroft received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of the Pacific in 1979.  Since 2004, he has served as a pro tem judge in Marion County Circuit Court.  Prior to working as a pro tem judge, Mr. Aschroft was a partner at Ashcroft Wiles LLP, where his practice focused on civil litigation.  He previously served in the United States Army, United States Army Reserve, Oregon Army National Guard and Oregon State Defense Force, with the rank of Brigadier General.  Most recently he served as the Oregon State Director of the Selective Service System.  

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lynn Ashcroft to the Marion County bench,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Lynn is an impressive attorney who will bring a strong work ethic, judicious temperament, and a breadth of experience—in both civil and criminal law—to the bench.  I believe his service on the bench will be an asset to the citizens of Marion County and the State of Oregon.”

Lincoln County:  The Governor appointed Sheryl Bachart to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert Huckleberry.  Ms. Bachart received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon in 1997.  Since graduation, Ms. Bachart has served as a deputy district attorney in the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.    

“Sheryl Bachart will bring her extensive knowledge of criminal law to the court,” Governor Kulongoski said.  “I am very pleased to appoint a lawyer of her work ethic and intellect to serve as a judge.  I am also happy to appoint the first woman to the Lincoln County bench.”