Sister Swears in New Judge Parker

Print

Published on February 27 2015 2:07 pm
Last Updated on February 27 2015 2:07 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Former Effingham County and Jasper County State's Attorney Kevin Parker was on the job today in his new role as an Assistant Circuit Judge in the 4th Judicial Circuit. Interestingly enough, the new judge was handling the daily call in Effingham County Circuit Court.

Parker was sworn into office Thursday evening in Newton by his sister, Effingham County Resident Circuit Judge Kimberly Koester. Judge Koester is also a former Jasper County State's Attorney.

During the ceremony, Judge Parker pledged to honor his family's legal legacy. In addition to the sibling judges, their father, grandfather and great-grandfather also practiced law, and their father, the late James Parker, served as a delegate to the Illinois Constitutional Convention.

The new judge said he plans to offer service that he referred to as "an honor and a responsibility." He said he plans to apply the common sense that he sees in the residents of Jasper County and throughout the 4th Judicial Circuit.

The Circuit is made up of Effingham, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Fayette, Jasper, Marion, Montgomery and Shelby counties.