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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10

Hamilton County moves to hire four magistrates

hamilton-county-moves-to-hire-four-magistrates
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photo Hamilton County Commissioner Mitch McClure

WHAT’S NEXTOct. 5: Security and Corrections Committee meeting at 8:30 a.m.Oct. 10: Magistrate applications are due to commissioners by noon.

CURRENT MAGISTRATESContracts expire Oct. 31 for:* Larry Ables, chief magistrate* Randall Russell* Pete Johnson* Yolanda Mitchell

The Hamilton County Commission has kicked off its magistrate hiring process and will be taking applications for four positions up for review at the end of October.

Magistrates — technically known as judicial commissioners — are primarily tasked with setting bonds, issuing warrants and appointing public defenders at night and on weekends. They are required to work at least 40 hours a week.

Security and Corrections Committee Chairman Mitch McClure, whose committee oversees the program, said a meeting will be held Oct. 5 to discuss hiring procedures and set interview dates with prospective candidates. Applications are due to the commission office by noon Oct. 10.