Walsh County's States Attorney Named To Fill Northeast ND Judgeship

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has selected Walsh County State’s Attorney Kelley Cole to fill a vacancy on the Northeast Judicial District bench, with her appointment taking effect Aug. 17.

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Cole has led the Walsh County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2017, first by appointment and later through election victories in 2018 and 2022. Her work includes prosecuting criminal cases, handling juvenile matters, overseeing involuntary commitment proceedings and managing certain civil responsibilities, including child support enforcement. She has also represented the county in appeals before the North Dakota Supreme Court and serves as legal counsel to the Northern Valley Human Service Zone Board.

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Before becoming state’s attorney, Cole spent a decade as an assistant state’s attorney in Walsh County and earlier worked as a deputy county attorney in Yuma County, Arizona. Her legal background also includes both public and private practice experience in Minnesota.

A Minnesota native, Cole graduated from high school in St. Peter before earning a political science degree from the University of Minnesota Morris. She received her law degree in 2000 from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. She has been active in the local legal community, serving as president of the Walsh County Bar Association and as a member of the area Domestic Violence Board.

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The judicial opening follows the April 30 resignation of Judge Barbara Whelan, who had served on the bench since her 2017 appointment by then-Gov. Doug Burgum. The position, based in Grafton, serves a judicial district that spans 11 counties.

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Filed Under: North Dakota