The Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court is retiring. Effingham County Resident Circuit Judge Kimberly G. Koester is retiring effective December 30th, 2020. Koester was first elected to the bench in 2006 and has held court in all nine counties of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and has presided over numerous jury trials and bench trials. 

Koester says she is stepping down to spend more time with her family but she will always hold fond memories of the 4th Judicial Circuit and she is proud of the accomplishments that she has had since holding that position. 

“During my tenure, we have experienced increased litigation, a shift from paper to computer records, e-filing, bond reform, and remote hearings brought on by COVID-19. It has been a struggle to keep up with it all, but all the circuit clerks, judges, and attorneys are doing their best to change with the times. 2020 has really thrown us all for a loop but the Fourth Judicial Circuit is in a great position to handle the changes.” -Judge Koester

Koester’s position will remain open until the new Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit deems it appropriate to fill it or until the next scheduled election.