Judicial secretary retiring

During their executive committee meeting last week, St. Joseph County commissioners heard that Sue Eickhoff, judicial secretary for judge Jeff Middleton, is retiring in late January.

Court administrator Tab Wedge said Middleton will need to move forward and begin finding a replacement, a process that should start sooner than later.

At least a month of training with Eickhoff would be ideal, Wedge said, noting that Eickhoff fills a niche role and finding an apt replacement might be difficult.

County administrator Teresa Doehring said the position is statutorily required, and advised Wedge and Middleton to proceed with securing Eickhoff’s replacement.

One other notable moment from the meeting featured county treasurer Judie Ratering. The eight-year treasurer, who is retiring in December, gave her final annual report.