Peoria County's top prosecutor to become judge

PEORIA — Longtime Peoria County State's Attorney Kevin Lyons is leaving that job to become a judge.

The (Peoria) Journal Star reports that the Illinois Supreme Court tapped Lyons to fill a vacancy in the 10th Judicial Circuit on Tuesday.

Lyons has been Peoria County's top prosecutor since 1988. He says he's wanted a new challenge and being a judge will be a privilege.

Lyons will take a spot currently held by Judge Glenn Collier, who's retiring. Collier had been filling in for Judge Richard Grawey, who retired last fall. The appointment is effective Aug. 1.

The 10th circuit covers Peoria, Tazewell, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.