45TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT RECEIVES STATE COURT AWARD

LINCOLN COUNTY — The Missouri Supreme Court has recognized the 45th Judicial Circuit, which serves Lincoln County and Pike County in Missouri, for its performance in managing court cases during fiscal year 2025.

The circuit received the Daniel J. O’Toole Award during a semiannual meeting of Missouri’s presiding judges held in late February in Lake Ozark. The award recognizes court circuits that meet statewide standards for timely case processing and efficient court management.

The O’Toole Award is given to circuits that maintain strong clearance rates, meaning courts resolve at least as many cases as are filed. Those benchmarks help prevent case backlogs and keep the justice system operating efficiently.

The 45th Judicial Circuit includes Lincoln County and Pike County in Missouri and is served by Presiding Judge W. Kent Hamlin along with Associate Circuit Judges Dan Dildine, Ben Burkemper, and Michael Wood.

The recognition reflects the combined work of judges, clerks, attorneys, and court staff who help keep cases moving through the court system while ensuring fair hearings for everyone involved.