Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD  — Judge John Lowry has been reappointed to serve as chief judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court for an additional two-year term.

The decision was made by a unanimous vote of the eleven circuit judges. The new term runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.

The 17th Circuit is comprised of Winnebago and Boone counties, and the chief judge has general administrative authority over the court, including assigning cases.

“I am deeply humbled to have been chosen for a second term as chief judge. The 17th Circuit is known for excellence and innovation throughout Illinois,” Lowry said in a news release. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work together with justice system stakeholders to help advance that reputation.”

During his first term, the 17th Circuit reestablished a local juvenile justice counsel, successfully petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to allocate two additional associate judges here and implemented the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act. The court also continued operations while working through a five-month repair process after a fire at the Winnebago County Courthouse.