Governor names Mertz to 46th Circuit Court

Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday appointed Gaylord resident George Mertz to the 46th Circuit Court, serving Kalkaska, Crawford, and Otsego counties. The appointment fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge Dennis Murphy. "George Mertz is an outstanding attorney who is respected by his peers," Snyder said. "I am confident he will serve the region well in this new capacity." Mertz currently serves as an assistant general counsel for the Police Officers Association of Michigan as well as an adjunct faculty member at North Central Michigan College. He began his legal career as a law clerk in the Michigan Attorney General's office and then in the 46th Circuit Court. Later, he served as an associate attorney at the Gaylord office of Plunkett Cooney PC. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in history from Michigan State University, Mertz earned his law degree at the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. Mertz will serve the remainder of Murphy's term through Jan. 1, 2015. He will need to seek election for a full six-year term in November 2014. Published: Wed, Jan 16, 2013