By Rhonda Westfall

You can call her 'Magistrate Mom.'

Former Clinton County court reporter and part-time magistrate Jane Clarke is the first woman to hold the position in Clinton County, following the recent retirement of Tony Hufnagel and appointment by 65th District Court Judge Richard Wells.

"I was thrilled to be considered for the position," Clarke said of the request made by Judge Wells to serve as district court magistrate, adding that her parenting skills may come in handy in dealing with offenders she will sentence in traffic and small claims cases.

"We all make mistakes - the key is to learn from those mistakes and then apply the lessons learned in future situations," Clarke said. "Don't forget - I can give you the ultimate 'time-out.'"

For his part, Judge Wells has absolute confidence in Clarke's abilities.

"Jane will do a terrific job here," Wells said. "I was pleased to make the appointment."

Clarke spent a good portion of last year learning the ropes from Hufnagel in her capacity as part-time magistrate while continuing in the court reporter position she has held since 1989. She admits there's still plenty of "on-the-job-training" on her new agenda.

"I'm learning all the things there are to learn - something new pops up everyday," Clarke said. "Tony was well thought of and highly respected - I will work toward achieving that."

A graduate of Albion College, Clarke held numerous positions at various governmental agencies with the city of Albion, Washtenaw County - and in Washington D.C. - before moving to St. Johns in 1986 when her husband, Terry, was named Friend of the Court. She originally worked as a freelance and part-time court reporter while the couples' children, Elizabeth and Christina, were growing up, before becoming a full-time employee in 1989.

"I enjoy the law - it's concrete; you can always find the answer," Clarke says of her years in the courtroom. "And, I really love to meet people - to connect face-to-face."

The coming year will present challenges for Clarke and the entire district court staff as they attempt to meet new guidelines set by the state for the collection of fines.

"The state recently passed legislation stating that all fines and costs are due at the time of sentencing - they're really pushing for the collection of fines," Clarke said. "We are going to have to work on collection efforts here."

The new magistrate also expects to spend time researching and staying current with the ever-changing legislation that impacts the court docket, and making sure that local legislators understand how those changes effect their constituents.

Clarke has held several positions within the Clinton County GOP, is a former board member of Relief After Violent Encounter, and continues as a pre-school teacher in the weekly youth program of the First Church of God.