Kehoe fills two judicial vacancies in Southern District, St. Louis circuit

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Staff Report//June 24, 2026//

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Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe made two judicial appointments June 17, one in the Southern District Court of Appeals and the other in the 22^nd Judicial Circuit.

Joseph L. Hensley, of Joplin, was appointed Southern District judge. His appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Don E. Burrell Jr.

Hensley is currently a circuit judge in Division 1 of the 29^th Judicial Circuit in Jasper County. He earned his law degree at the University of Missouri.

Michael L. Walton, of St. Louis, as appointed associated circuit judge for the 22^nd Judicial Circuit, filling the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Catherine Dierker to the circuit bench.

Walton is a commissioner in the 22^nd Judicial Circuit’s Family Court – Juvenile Division and previously owned the Law Offices of Michael L. Walton. He graduated with his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University.

Tags: Michael L. Walton, judicial appointments, Catherine Dierker, Joseph L. Hensley, Mike Kehoe, Jasper County, Municipal Law

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