New magistrate learning the ropes of her new job

Petersburg has found its next magistrate judge and since her arrival earlier this month, she has been getting to know her job and her new home.

Debra O'Gara first arrived in Petersburg on Aug. 1 and is replacing the previous magistrate judge, Desi Burrell, who retired in May. O'Gara has been practicing law for over 26 years and was previously serving as presiding judge for the Tlingit & Haida Tribal Court in Juneau. The new position has her tackling a full range of cases, such as civil and criminal cases, while she previously focused on family cases. Although one doesn't have to be an attorney...