Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Jessica Fehrenbach was honored this month as one of MOSAIC of North Central Wisconsin’s 2026 Women of Vision honorees, recognizing her work in the courts, her experience in juvenile law, and her service in the Merrill community.
Judge Fehrenbach was recognized on May 14 during the Women of Vision luncheon in Rothschild. The awards celebrate women who help others and work to make their communities stronger. Honorees are selected for leadership and significant community contributions.
Judge Fehrenbach serves in Branch 2 of the Lincoln County Circuit Court. She was elected in 2025 to succeed retiring Judge Robert R. Russell and took office August 1. MOSAIC noted that Judge Fehrenbach is the first woman to serve as a circuit court judge in Lincoln County.
Before joining the bench, Judge Fehrenbach worked with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office in Merrill. The State Bar of Wisconsin has identified her as a certified Youth Defender Advocacy Program trainer and one of the editors of the Wisconsin Juvenile Law Handbook. Her public defender work included representing youth in rural northern Wisconsin counties.
MOSAIC also highlighted Judge Fehrenbach’s work on court-related initiatives, including early efforts related to a possible family treatment court. Outside the courthouse, Judge Fehrenbach, a Merrill native, has been involved in youth soccer, her children’s school PTO, and local efforts related to food insecurity and housing.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov