City of Kentwood 62-B District Court Welcomes Judge-elect Amanda Sterkenburg
Sterkenburg’s Swearing-in Set for Wednesday, Dec. 16
The City of Kentwood will welcome Judge-elect Amanda Sterkenburg to 62-B District Court on Wednesday, Dec. 16 as she takes the oath of office. Sterkenburg’s swearing-in ceremony will be conducted by retiring 62-B District Court Judge William G. Kelly at 3 p.m. Community members are invited to attend via the 62-B District Court YouTube Channel.
Sterkenburg will succeed Kelly, who will retire after a distinguished career in law spanning more than four decades. Kelly has served the Kentwood community as the City’s first and only district court judge since 1979. He was re-elected for his seventh and final six-year term in 2014.
As judge, Sterkenburg will lead a team of nearly 25 court personnel and preside over matters before 62-B District Court for a six-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2021. The 62-B District Court settles disputes, processes criminal charges and manages legal appeals. Common offenses heard by a district court judge include operating while intoxicated, domestic violence and retail fraud less than $1,000. The court also conducts weddings, maintains legal records and provides resources for community members.
“We are delighted to welcome Judge-elect Sterkenburg to the 62-B District Court,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “I have confidence she will follow in Judge Kelly’s footsteps in demonstrating outstanding dedication to justice and service to the Kentwood community.”
Sterkenburg has represented criminal and civil defendants, landlords, tenants and litigants with many different types of claims throughout her career as an attorney. Her experience includes successful jury trials on assault, theft and retail fraud offenses. She has more than 90 hours of mediation training and has handled matters in many local circuit and district courts, including the 62-B District Court.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity,” Sterkenburg said. “As 62-B District Court judge, I will remain committed to ensuring well-reasoned sentences, proportionate punishment and fair rulings that reflect the unique circumstances of every matter that comes before me.”
Sterkenburg is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is active in many local organizations, including the Kentwood Aquatics Club, Glenwood Elementary Parent-Teacher Council, Kentwood Baseball League and Mediation Services of Ottawa and Allegan counties. She and her family attend Kentwood Community Church.
Sterkenburg graduated cum laude from Franklin College and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Drawn to the diversity and opportunity in Kentwood, Sterkenburg moved to the city with her two children almost 10 years ago.
The 62-B District Court strives to earn the public’s trust and confidence by providing a fair and just forum for the resolution of civil and criminal disputes, providing services in a professional, timely and efficient manner with respect and courtesy, educating and providing services in an understandable and user-friendly fashion, being accountable for the resources invested in the court and recognizing the changing needs of the judicial system and the people it serves.
For additional information, contact Court Administrator Michele White at 616.554.0715 or whitem@kentwood.us.