Local native assumes clerk of court role

Rachel Newport is taking over as clerk of the trial court office in Petersburg.

"It's a big job," said Desiree Burrell, the magistrate judge in Petersburg. "It's very important."

Newport is a Petersburg native, and now she'll be manager of its court system. She'll handle all of the filing and be the in-court clerk as well.

"She's really the face of the court system in Petersburg," said Clayton Jones, who's been filling in from Ketchikan.

Newport was one of the clinic receptionists at the Petersburg Medical Center for about four years before she made the move to law.

"I've always worked within...