Gov. Kehoe appoints judges to Missouri Court of Appeals, St. Louis circuit court
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Gov. Mike Kehoe announced two judicial appointments Wednesday, naming a new judge to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, and an associate circuit judge in St. Louis.
Joseph L. Hensley of Joplin was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. Hensley currently serves as a circuit judge in Division 1 of the 29th Judicial Circuit in Jasper County.
Hensley earned both his bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri and has been involved with community organizations including Fostering Hope, Joy in the Journey and the Webb City R-7 Schools Foundation. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Don E. Burrell Jr.
Kehoe also appointed Michael L. Walton of St. Louis as associate circuit judge for St. Louis City in the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
Walton currently serves as a commissioner in the Family Court-Juvenile Division of the 22nd Judicial Circuit and previously operated a private law practice. He is involved with Urban Golf of Greater St. Louis and the Royal Vagabonds Foundation.
Walton earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Catherine Dierker to the circuit bench.
