New Minn. Appeals Court Judge Has Long Worn Robe

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's newest member of the Court of Appeals has a long history on the bench.

Gov. Mark Dayton on Wednesday elevated Judge Michael Kirk to an opening on the appellate court. Kirk has been a district court judge since 1989 when then-Gov. Rudy Perpich appointed him.

Kirk fills a slot designated from someone in the 7th Congressional District, replacing the retirement of a veteran Judge Roger Klaphake. Kirk lives in Moorhead.

He is the fifth Appeals Court selection by Dayton.

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