Judge Ed Black

ALPENA — Judge Ed Black has been appointed chief judge of the 26th Circuit Court, 88th District Court, and the Alpena and Montmorency County Probate Courts, the Michigan Supreme Court announced on Wednesday.

Black will fill the remainder of a term ending Dec. 31 for Chief Judge Benjamin Bolser, who has expressed his intent to retire in May. Black will officially step into the chief judge position on April 1 to adjust to the job while Bolser is still on the bench, Black told The News on Wednesday.

Black’s appointment was supported by 88th District Court Judge Thomas LaCross, Black said.

Bolser’s position will be vacant after his retirement. When a judge retires before the completion of a term, the governor typically appoints a replacement to serve until the next election — in this case, November 2022 — according to a Michigan Supreme Court representative.