Part V - Government, a supplement to the Big Rapids Pioneer Newspaper. Used with permission.

JUDGES HAVE LONG HISTORY IN BIG RAPIDS
By Michael Taylor - Senior Staff Writer

When 49th Circuit Court Judge Lawrence C. Root announced his retirement early this year, he joined a long list of judges to have served over the years in Big Rapids.

Root's announcement came as a surprise to many throughout the community. In a written statement, Root explained his decision saying, "It has been my privilege and honor to serve the citizens of Mecosta and Osceola counties ... since Jan. 1, 1977. After over 28 very active years on the bench, I feel it is time to move on.

Privately, says his reasons for stepping down are many. "To be honest, I'm not getting any younger, obviously," he said. "I turned 57 last Wednesday. (Retirement) is something you think about doing over time."

Over the years, many judges have held the position recently vacated by Root, some for many years, others for just a few. But all have left their mark on the city and county in which they served.

Following is a list of Circuit Court Judges of the past 129 years, along with their terms of service:

Lawrence C. Root, Jan, 1977 - Feb. 2005>br>
Harold Vandomelen, 1960 - 1976

Earl C. Pugsley, 1930 - 1959

Joseph Barton, 1911 - 1929

Louis G. Palmer, Jan. 1899 - March 1911

E.E. Edwards, Sept. 1897 - Dec. 1898

John Palmer, Jan. 1888 - August 1897

C.C. Fuller, April 1882 - Dec. 1887

Michael Brown, Dec. 1876 - Jan. 1881

District Cout Judges also play an important role in local law enforcement efforts. The current Judge at 77th Discrict Court is Susan H. Grant, who has held the position since November of 1996.

Grant is currently serving her second six-year term which expires in December 2008.

Prior to Grant, District Court judges have included George VanKula, who served four terms from 1984 to 1996; R.L. Miles who held the post from 1978 till his death in 1982. Frank Ryman who served in 1973 until his removal two years later, and George Worcester, who served a four year term ending in 1972.

Probate judges also figure prominently in the Mecosta County legal landscape and include LaVail E. Hull, the current probate judge now in his fourth term as well as: George Worcester; Robert L. Miles; Russell Borst; A.W. Miles; and Harry Drescher.

The role of judge can be a demanding one, and those who undertake it do so with at least some knowledge of what the job will entail, both the drawbacks and rewards.

Root put it well recently when announcing his retirement. He said, "Being a judge has been a wonderful experience," he said. "It's been good to be able to use the talents God gave me to their best advantage."



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