Lake County Court officials celebrate retiring judge's service

Chief Judge Jay W. Ukena held a ceremony celebrating the retirement of Associate Judge Michael J. Fusz after more than 15 years on the bench at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan. Ukena said Fusz provided exemplary service to Lake County citizens during his time on the bench. "His knowledge of the law, disposition and his fair-mindedness made him an excellent jurist," Ukena said. "We wish him the very best in his future endeavors." Fusz served in the McHenry County state's attorney office and in the Lake County state's attorney's office. He went into private practice in 1996 until his appointment as an associate judge in 2004. The court announced this week that 21 attorneys have applied to fill the position created by Fusz's retirement. Fusz will retire at the end of the month.