09/02/2026
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Hillsdale County Circuit Court Judge Sara Lisznyai.
Over the years, Judge Lisznyai and I spent plenty of time together in the courtroom, but it’s the little human moments I’ll remember most.
When she learned that I had spent years as a professional entertainer including eating fire she took to calling me “Night Fury,” after the fire-breathing dragon from How to Train Your Dragon. And back when she was on the District Court bench, if I managed to resolve every case on my docket, I could occasionally expect a sparkly star sticker.
Those little off-beat quirks always made me smile, and they’re the things that tend to stick with you.
My condolences to her family, friends, courthouse staff, and everyone in the Hillsdale community who knew and loved her.
