Heather Iverson, a long-time Kenosha attorney and court commissioner, was installed as the newest Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge yesterday at the Courthouse. The ceremony, that was standing-room only and overflowed into the hallway was attended by almost two-dozen current and retired judges from across the state, elected officials, dignitaries, family and friends. Iverson handily defeated Kenosha attorney Frank Gagliardi by about 7% this April. She takes over Branch three, succeeding Judge Bruce Schroeder.

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Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Justin Miller opened the court and commanded silence.

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This district’s Chief Judge, Wynne P. Laufenberg, introduced the current judges, retired judges, and the elected officials in attendance.

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Pastor Chip Lutz of Lord of Life Church gave the invocation.

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy, Brian Horensky, lead the room in the pledge of allegience.

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Judge Wilbur W. Warren III (Retired), gave a speech highlighting all of Iverson’s qualifications and reflecting on the time she spent as a judicial clerk for him and did an saying she did exceptional job.

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Barbara Kluka (Ret.) gave as short speech also highlighting Iverson’s talent, knowledge, and qualifications to hold the important position.

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Iverson’s good friend and mentor, Judge Angelina Gabriele administered the oath of office as Iverson’s husband, Mark Iverson, held the bible.

Attorney Andrew Wier, President of the Kenosha County Bar Association was tasked with the presentation of the robe, a task that he mostly delegated to Iverson’s son and daughter, Benjamin and Eleanor. Iverson’s children also presented their Mom with her gavel.

Iverson then made a speech, saying in part:

“…Public service has been important for me for as long as I can remember. My public service started as a candy trader out here at the Kenosha Memorial Hospital. I don’t know if anybody actually remembers that. I started from a young age with public service. It was important. Early experiences taught me the importance of compassion and service.

As president of the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, I discovered the power of really keeping families and shared experiences and community engagement… The past 14 years, I’ve dedicated my career to public service.

Working to make our community stronger, fairer, and more just. I’m looking forward to continuing that service to our community. As I prepare to take on this new role, I’m reminded of the words of Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve as the U.S. Supreme Court Justice. She said, ‘We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life, and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that create something.’

These words resonate deeply with me as I reflect on the journey that has brought me here and the responsibilities that lie ahead. As I take on this position, I pledge to work tirelessly with the people of Kenosha County. I will serve the public with integrity, uphold the Constitution, and follow the letter of the law.

My courtroom will be the place where justice is not just an ideal, but a lived reality for those who enter it. I am deeply humbled and privileged and honored to serve as Kenosha County’s Branch 3 Circuit Court Judge. This position is not just a personal achievement, but a sacred trust placed in me by this community.

I promise to honor that trust every day, in every decision, and for every person that appears before me. As a judge, I will strive to ensure that the law serves all members of our community fairly and equitably. I will listen with an open mind, judge with a clear conscience, and always remember that behind every case, is a human story.

So I emphasize that this position is not just about me, it’s about us. Our community, our values, and our shared future. The courtroom is where many of society’s most challenging are addressed, and I promise to approach each case with the gravity and consideration that it deserves.

The trust that has placed in me has profound responsibility, and one that I will honor every day of my life. I invite all of you to stay engaged, to participate in our civic process, and to continue working for a more just and equitable Kenosha County. The strength of our justice system lies not just in those who serve and defend, but in the active participation of informed, engaged citizens.

Thank you all once again for your trust, support, and for being here today. I look forward to serving you and working  alongside you…”