WAYNE COUNTY HAS A NEW RESIDENT CIRCUIT JUDGE

(MT. VERNON) Justice David K. Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court have appointed a new Resident Circuit Judge for Wayne County in the Second Judicial Circuit. Beginning next Thursday, February 20th, 2025, Judge Matthew E. Vaughn will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael J. Molt on November 30th, 2024. Judge Vaughn’s appointment will conclude on December 7th, 2026, following the November 2026 election. A Wayne County native, Mr. Vaughn has served as Chief Public Defender for Jefferson County since 2020 and prior to that, served in the same role in Wayne County since 2009.