Judge Steve Hanke settles into new position on North Shore as district court judge

The newly appointed district court judge serving the North Shore has officially settled into the position. 

On Oct. 19, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced the appointment of Steve Hanke as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. 

Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District encompasses Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties. Judge Hanke will serve Lake and Cook counties as the lone judge for the North Shore. He replaced the Honorable Michael J. Cuzzo after his retirement in October. 

Over the last month, as he underwent the onboarding process, Judge Hanke has met with Lake and Cook County officials, stakeholders, and court staff to familiarize himself with his new role. 

“People have been very welcoming,” Judge Hanke said. “It’s a real honor to be involved up here.”

Before being appointed district court judge, Judge Hanke was an attorney for the City of Duluth, where he practiced civil law and prosecuted criminal matters. For the time being, Judge Hanke and his family will remain based in Duluth, but in the near future intends to move to Two Harbors.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Judge Hanke about the onboarding process, his thoughts on serving as a judge in a small community, and more. Listen to the full interview in the audio below. 

Kalli Hawkins December 13, 2023