For the Tomahawk Leader

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers announced on Friday, July 8 that he had appointed Kristopher Ellis to serve as Lincoln County District Attorney.

The appointment fills a vacancy being created by District Attorney Galen Bayne-Allison’s election to the Lincoln County Circuit Court.

Ellis will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term that ends in Jan. 2025.

Ellis has been an assistant district attorney in Lincoln County since June. For nearly four years prior, he served as an assistant state public defender in Merrill, representing clients in both Price and Lincoln counties.

In addition to representing criminal defendants, Ellis also took on juvenile, revocation and termination of parental rights cases, as well as involuntary mental health commitments. During this time, he was part of a team working to start an OWI treatment court in Lincoln County.

Before public service, Ellis was a sole practitioner focusing on criminal litigation at the circuit court and appellate court level.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Akron School of Law, Ellis lives in Merrill with his family.

“It is truly an honor to be selected by Governor Evers to serve the people of Wisconsin as the Lincoln County District Attorney,” Ellis said. “I look forward to continuing my work with the excellent staff at the district attorney’s office. Galen Bayne-Allison was able to create a great relationship between the district attorney’s office and local law enforcement; I plan to continue with that practice to work together in the interest of justice. I sincerely appreciate Governor Evers giving me the opportunity to serve the people of Wisconsin as the Lincoln County District Attorney.”

“Governor Evers has made an excellent selection in appointing Kristopher Ellis as Lincoln County District Attorney,” said former Price County District Attorney and current Price and Taylor County Assistant District Attorney Mark Fuhr. “Kristopher has the skill set and experience necessary to lead that office and I am confident he will serve as a fair and effective prosecutor for the citizens of Lincoln County.”

“Kristopher Ellis has demonstrated he has the knowledge, temperament and ability to help reduce crime and make our communities safer,” Evers stated. “He is committed to working to ensure Lincoln County is a great place to live, work and raise a family, which will make him an excellent district attorney.”