Hannibal High School graduate appointed as chief juvenile officer for Tenth Judicial Circuit in Missouri

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Judge Rachel Bringer Shepherd, presiding judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit, recently announced she has appointed Joseph Meidl as the new chief juvenile officer for the Tenth Judicial Circuit, which includes Marion, Monroe and Ralls counties. Shepherd administered the oath of office to Meidl on Oct. 7.

Meidl, a Hannibal High School graduate, graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2024. He is a son of Dr. Eric and Dr. Susan Meidl.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to hire an attorney to fill the position of chief juvenile officer, which was
vacant due to the recent relocation of attorney J.C. Weyand to St. Louis, and use our existing resources to comply with Missouri law at no additional cost to Marion, Monroe or Ralls counties,” Shepherd said in a press release.  

The Tenth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Office assists children and families in need in Marion, Monroe and Ralls counties.

Shepherd noted several attorneys previously served as Tenth Judicial Circuit Chief Juvenile Officer, including late Circuit Judge Ronald R. McKenzie, late Palmyra Municipal Judge Tom Meade, late Marion County Associate Judge John D. Ogle, attorney Warren Wells (who retired as general counsel for Truman State University in Kirksville) and attorney Nina Chasnoff, who currently works as an attorney for the Social Security Administration.

Local attorneys Steven Porter and Robert Rapp have been assisting the Tenth Circuit Juvenile Office in legal matters.

“I appreciate Joe’s enthusiasm, diligence, and willingness to return home and serve the Tenth Judicial Circuit in such an important area of the law,” Shepherd said.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this role,” Meidl said. “I look forward to having the opportunity to help the children and families of this area to the best of my ability.”