Stay To Assume District Bench

Newaygo County Prosecutor Ellsworth Stay will succeed Judge Kevin Drake on the District Court bench.

Current Prosecutor one of 4 Governor appointees


LANSING,MI -Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Susan Metzger to the Van Buren County Probate Court, Amanda Pollard to Eaton County Probate Court, Ellsworth Stay to the 78th District Court (Newaygo and Lake Counties), and Michael Ekdahl to the 89th District Court (Presque Isle and Cheboygan Counties).  
 
“Today, I am proud to appoint Susan, Amanda, Ellsworth, and Michael to Michigan’s bench,” said Governor Whitmer. “Each of these new judges are experienced legal minds who are dedicated to serving their community with humility, compassion, and respect for the rule of law. They each bring a wealth of experience to their service and I am confident they will serve with distinction and inspire confidence in the integrity and professionalism of our courts.”

Ellsworth Stay, Jr. is the elected prosecuting attorney for Newaygo County, a position he has held since 2017. He has served the people of Newaygo County in various capacities for over twenty years including as Trial Court Director/Friend of the Court and as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. 
 
Ellsworth received his Bachelor of Arts in American Government from the University of Virginia and his Juris Doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.   
 
“I am thankful and honored to receive this appointment from Governor Whitmer,” Stay stated. “I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of the 78th District with dedication and professionalism.  I will seek to make decisions that are impartial and just while treating those who come before the court with fairness and respect”.     
 
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Kevin Drake. Mr. Stay’s term will commence on April 1, 2024, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025.  

---