Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Shari R. Schluchter to a Ninth Judicial District trial court bench in Beltrami County. Schluchter will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Richard C. Taylor, whose retirement was effective on December 31, 2004. The Supreme Court transferred the chambers of this judgeship from Polk County to Beltrami County.

Schluchter has been the chief assistant Beltrami County attorney since 1990 and was an assistant Beltrami County attorney from 1985 to 1990. She was also an attorney with the Bemidji law firm of Faver, Schluchter and Tingelstad from 1992 to 1995 and an attorney with the Bemidji law firm of Keyes and Faver from 1985 to 1992. Schluchter earned her juris doctorate degree (1985) and her bachelor of science degree cum laude (1982) from the University of North Dakota.

"The courts in Beltrami County have had a tremendous increase in the criminal caseload and they need a judge who has the experience and work ethic to step in and assist in the handling of those cases," Governor Pawlenty said. "Shari Schluchter is that person. She has the criminal trial experience, a reputation for working hard, and the respect of those who work in the judicial system."

Schluchter is the treasurer of the Beltrami County Bar Association, a member of the Beltrami County Child Protection Team, the Children's Justice Initiative Team, the Kinship North Advisory Board, and the Bemidji Area Super Swimmers Board. She has also been the Secretary of the First Lutheran Church Council, and has served on the Beltrami County Truancy Committee and the Independent School District 31 Attendance Policy Committee.

Schluchter, 44, was born in Cavalier, North Dakota and lives in Bemidji with her husband, William Frey, and their daughters, Kaleigh, 14, and Stephanie, 10.