Following the retirement of the previous local magistrate judge in May, Rachel Newport has taken on the role after serving as clerk of court for two years.

Newport began working at the Petersburg Courthouse in April 2018 as the clerk of court under Magistrate Judge Desi Burrell. After Burrell retired in May of 2019, the deputy clerk also retired shortly after. Newport has since been assuming both duties as clerk of court and that of the deputy clerk.

Debra O'Gara became the next magistrate judge after Burrell retired. Newport said she didn't apply for the vacant magistrate judge position a...