When Judge McHaney heard they added eleven counties to the Fifth District Appellate Court Region the first thing out of his mouth was, "Good. That just gives me an opportunity to meet more people who love the Constitution." That response is typical of Judge McHaney's character, being raised by Lony McHaney, a School Principal and Shirley McHaney, a Nursing Instructor.  Responsibility and service were core tenants of the McHaney household.  A youthful McHaney would find himself living what he described as, "a classic American upbringing, complete with paper route and a line boy job at the local airport." Judge McHaney was raised up in the Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He belonged to DeMolay and credits the Church, his parents, his teachers and the DeMolay Organization for being the foundation for the successes he has had throughout his life.  He still remembers the Seven Virtues of DeMolay, Filial Love, Reverence for Sacred Things, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness and Patriotism.  It is no surprise that Mike would grow up wanting to practice law. His college years were spent at Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University and after obtaining his J.D., he spent nearly 25 years practicing civil and criminal law.  It was then McHaney made his way to the bench and where he has spent the last 16 years of his legal career.

     Mike's wife Laura was born and raised in Indiana and obtained a B.S. in Business from St. Mary of the Woods College. Laura was a fuel transportation analyst for Cinergy Corporation when the couple married. She then relocated to Salem, Illinois and ran a no kill animal shelter.  Over the years, Mike and Laura have rescued over 100 adult animals and several litters of puppies and kittens, seeing to it that they were placed in loving homes.  Laura credits Mike's generosity and calm nature with her success at being able to save so many animals. Today, the McHaney's help 4-Hers with their horse and pony projects by donating supplies, equipment or providing their horses for lessons or events.  "Animals will always be part of our lives, but grandparenting is now priority," said Laura. "I love seeing the way our grandkids love their Papa and the way he loves them right back. That is exactly why I believe Mike is the best person for the Appellate Court.  He knows just how important family is to people. I know he will do everything in his power to be tough on career criminals and to protect our Constitution, just as he has demonstrated time and time again. His tough sentences and his rulings based on the Constitution, prove just that. Take the Bailey vs. Pritzker case, he took the emotion out of the ruling and made it all about the Constitution.  He just gets it; he's authentic, he's got common sense and he knows what is at stake for our state, our country and the world."  

Mike pictured above with his adopted dog, Wyatt Earp, an owner surrender rescued dog.

  Best buds from 2008-2020