Two new judges were selected Thursday, Nov. 21, to fill vacancies in the Ninth Judicial District created by retirements.
Clearwater County Attorney Kathryn Lorsbach will replace Judge Robert D. Tiffany in Park Rapids, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of TruStar Federal Credit Union Kimberly Wimmer will replace Judge Korey Wahwassuck in Grand Rapids.
Lorsbach and Wimmer were selected from a pool of four candidates recommended by the Commission on Judicial Selection. The commission recommends candidates to Gov. Tim Walz, who makes the final appointments.
In the appointment announcement shared Thursday, Walz said Lorsbach is a talented attorney who is "not afraid to push the justice system to be the best that it can be.”
"Her dedication and commitment to serving the people of northwestern Minnesota will make her an excellent addition to the bench," he said.
Lorsbach was previously a public defender and is a member of the Clearwater County DUI Treatment Court, the Clearwater Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative, and the Anishinaabe Sexual Assault Response Team.
Wimmer previously worked as a solo practitioner and a public defender. She also serves on the Littlefork-Big Falls School Board.
"Her diverse practice background and sincere commitment to serving her community will make her an excellent judge," Walz said of Wimmer.
-
Minnesota Twist Drill in Chisholm and Triumph Twist Drill in Hibbing manufacture tools including drill bits and cutting tools for industrial, commercial and home use. -
Bemidji police quickly located the person April 15, 2026, and used crisis intervention and found no physical threat. The student was taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation. -
Residents were allowed to return roughly seven hours later, and businesses reopened Wednesday night and Thursday, April 16, 2026.
