Former state’s attorney elevated to judge in 11th Judicial Circuit

Posted on September 19, 2022

BLOOMINGTON – There’s a new judge in McLean County as former state’s attorney Don Knapp became the newest judge of the Illinois Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which also includes Woodford, Logan, and Livingston Counties.

Knapp took his oath in front of more than 100 family, friends and fellow judges — at the McLean County Law and Justice Center Friday.

State Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White administered the oath to the former prosecutor.

Knapp served as the McLean County State’s Attorney for four years and led his department through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sheriff Jon Sandage and Chief Judge Casey Costigan were among the speakers who hailed Knapp as a tireless leader and a good friend and coworker who’s moved up quickly.

“You are starting to see a pattern here – Don can’t keep a job,” Sandage joked.

In his remarks, Judge Knapp thanked many people and even got emotional – remembering those who couldn’t be with him today.

Knapp replaces now retired Judge Paul Lawrence.

He won election to the post back in the June primaries, carrying nearly 60 percent of the vote, over Associate Judge Amy McFarland.

Knapp is being replaced as state’s attorney by Erika Reynolds, who’s worked as a prosecutor in McLean County since 2015. She is the first woman to hold the job of state’s attorney in McLean County.

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