Lisa Trigg
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
Applications are now being accepted for Vigo County Juvenile Court magistrate, following the resignation of longtime judge Paulette Stagg.
Stagg submitted her resignation Thursday, effective immediately, to the county’s six superior court judges, who oversee the operation of the juvenile court. She has served as juvenile magistrate since 1995.
Judge David Bolk of Vigo Circuit/Superior Court Division 3 said he considers the resignation “a personnel matter” and declined to discuss the reason for its tender. A voicemail message from the Tribune-Star seeking comment from Stagg on Friday afternoon was not returned.
“I thank her for 15 years of service to the community, and wish her well,” Bolk told the Tribune-Star on Friday.
Applications for the opening are being accepted through Aug. 30, he said. The minimum qualification for applicants is being licensed to practice law in the State of Indiana.
Bolk said he expects many well-qualified applicants for the position, and that several inquiries already had been received.
The juvenile court handles not only status offenses such as truancy and delinquency cases — runaways, shoplifting and vandalism, for example — but also cases for children in need of services who have been removed from the home or needing child advocates. Paternity cases, custody and visitation issues for children of unwed parents also are handled through juvenile court.
“It’s a busy court with a large caseload,” Bolk said Friday afternoon, following a day of handling all the juvenile court proceedings scheduled for that day.
The magistrate also oversees seven juvenile probation officers, but does not have administrative duties for the juvenile detention center, which is housed in the same building.
Once the application period has closed, the county’s six superior court judges will meet to review applications, conduct interviews and hire a new magistrate.
In the interim, Senior Judge Dexter Bolin, who was Judge Bolk’s predecessor, will fill in as the juvenile court magistrate. Since juvenile court is considered part of the circuit court in Division 3, Bolin is familiar with the duties of the magistrate.
Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
