Huesmann takes oath as latest judge in La Crosse County court

The new judge for Branch 3 in La Crosse County was officially given his robe at an investiture ceremony on Wednesday.

Judge Mark Huesmann actually took the oath of office in private last week, on the day Judge Todd Bjerke retired. Bjerke administered the oath Wednesday, as Huesmann’s family looked on in a courtroom filled with attorneys and county officials.

The long-time Holmen attorney was appointed by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers last month. Huesmann will start hearing cases in a few days. He hopes his court will be able to help people deal with the problems that lead them to a courtroom in the first place.

“I’ve been working towards this goal for a long time,” Huesmann told WIZM News. “I’ve been a court commissioner for many years, and I was the municipal court judge for the Coulee Region joint municipal court, so it’s always been an interest of mine.”

He has also taught business law at UW-La Crosse.

After taking the oath, Huesmann commented about the powerful people attending the ceremony, but also had thoughts about other people, including the poor and crime victims. The judge says “they need a seat at the table.”

Huesmann’s term lasts until July. The next election for Branch 3 happens in April.