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Smith resigns Wood County Family Court judge post

Judge Ellen L. Smith

PARKERSBURG — A Wood County Family Court judge is stepping down before her term ends.

The resignation of Judge Ellen L. Smith, who presides in the 3rd Family Court Circuit, is effective Sept. 20, according to Jennifer Bundy, public information officer for the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

Smith is in the final year of an eight-year term and was defeated in her bid for re-election in May by attorney and Parkersburg Municipal Court Judge Debra Steed. Steed is set to take office Jan. 1.

Smith is one of two judges in the circuit, along with Judge C. Darren Tallman. She could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.

Applications are being sought by the Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission for someone to complete the term, according to a release from the office of Gov. Jim Justice. Applications and instructions can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/4p8wd47w.

Candidates must submit their completed applications and letters of recommendation or comment no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23. They will not be considered if received after the deadline.

Both must be submitted either via email to JVAC@wv.gov or by mail to Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission, c/o Office of the General Counsel to the Governor, Office of the Governor State Capitol, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E, Charleston, WV 25305.

Interviews will be held in Charleston on Monday, Sept. 30.

More information about the application process is available by calling the Office of General Counsel at 304-558-2000.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com

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