FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE??

August 10, 2023?

Contact: [email protected]??

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Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench??

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LANSING, Mich. ? Today, Governor Whitmer announced the selection of Jared Henry and Matthew Antkoviak to be appointed to the bench. Antkoviak will be appointed to the 48th Circuit Court in Allegan County, while Henry will be appointed to the Manistee County Probate Court. ?

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?I am proud to appoint Matthew and Jared,? said Gov. Whitmer. ?Both bring diverse legal experience and expertise to the bench where they will uphold the rule of law and ensure every Michigander is treated with respect in the courtroom.??

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48th Circuit Court ? Allegan County?

Matthew Antkoviak is an attorney and partner at Antkoviak and Antkoviak, PC in Allegan, Michigan, where he has been practicing since 1999 after joining his father?s practice.? Antkoviak specializes in felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI defense, family law, general civil litigation, domestic violence and driver?s license restorations.??

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He is a board member and secretary of Reach the Forgotten, an organization that focuses on faith-based values to work to decrease incarceration and recidivism. Antkoviak previously served as a board member for the Allegan General Hospital and as a 48th Circuit Court appointee to the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly. He also served as President of the Allegan County Bar Association between 2001-2002 and served on the Allegan County Corrections Blue Ribbon Panel. Currently, Antkoviak is chair of the Community Corrections Advisory Board. ?

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Antkoviak earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and his Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law.??

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"I am grateful and honored to accept the appointment by Governor Whitmer to serve as a Circuit Court Judge,? said Antkoviak. ?As a lifelong member of this community and practitioner of 24 years, I look forward to serving the people of Allegan County. I will endeavor to treat all persons with respect, fairness, and equal access to justice under the law.? ?

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This selection was made to fill a partial term following the retirement of Judge Roberts Kengis. Mr. Antkoviak?s term will commence on August 28, 2023, and expire at twelve o?clock noon on January 1, 2025.?

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Probate Court ? Manistee County???

Jared Henry has served as the first Chief Public Defender in Manistee and Benzie counties following the creation of the area?s Regional Public Defender?s office in March 2019. Previously, Henry worked as an associate attorney for the Law Office of Krolczyk and Quinn and as attorney magistrate for the 85th District Court in Manistee. Henry has also served as the 85th District Court administrator, and he is co-founder of Manistee County?s 85th District Court Sobriety Court, where he initially served as project manager and currently works as a defense attorney. ?

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Outside of his legal duties, Henry serves as the Treasurer of the Manistee County Bar Association and is a member of the Manistee County Jaycees.??

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?I am humbled and honored to receive Governor Whitmer?s appointment to the Manistee probate bench,? said Henry. ?I am committed to treating those who appear before the court with respect and will strive to provide an ample opportunity to be heard. I endeavor to be prepared for every case and provide a fair and impartial result based upon the evidence admitted and the applicable law.? ?

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Henry graduated from with a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and earned his Juris Doctor at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.??

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This selection was made to fill a partial term following the retirement of Judge Thomas Brunner. Mr. Henry?s term will commence on August 28, 2023, and expire at twelve o?clock noon on January 1, 2025.??

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