Carroll County state’s attorney chosen new associate judge

MOUNT CARROLL – The man who’s held the position of Carroll County state’s attorney for 20 years is stepping up to the bench.

Scott J. Brinkmeier, 52, of Mount Carroll, elected to a sixth term in November, will be filling the vacancy created when 15th Judicial Circuit Associate Judge John “Jerry” Kane advanced to resident circuit judge.

Before becoming Carroll County’s top prosecutor, Brinkmeier worked for 7 years as an assistant state’s attorney in Whiteside County.

Brinkmeier was among 7 attorneys to apply for the position. He was chosen by a vote of the eight judges in the 15th Judicial Circuit, who interviewed applicants and sought input from members of the bar and the general public.

During his two decades as state’s attorney, Brinkmeier has contributed to the formation of the Carroll County Juvenile Justice Council, to obtain funding for a part-time Victim’s Assistant position and establishing a Carroll County Victim Impact Panel. He received his undergraduate degree in 1989 from Millikin University in Decatur and his juris doctor in 1992 from the University of Illinois in Champaign.

It will be up to Carroll County Board Chairman Kevin Reibel to appoint a replacement for the top prosecutor. After the board vacates the position at its meeting Thursday, Reibel will call for suggestions from both county party committees, but because Brinkmeier is a Republican, so, likely, will be his replacement, Reibel said.

Once the position is vacated, he has 60 days to make his choice.

Kane, also a Republican, was elected to the Carroll County circuit judge spot in November, defeating Democratic candidate and Lanark attorney Betsy Shaulis. His resignation as associate judge took effect Dec. 7.

The 15th Circuit covers Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle and Stephenson counties. All judges handle essentially the same type of cases; associate judges are appointed and district judges are elected.