For almost eight years, Bob Schmidt has helped keep the wheels of justice turning in McLeod County.

Starting Jan. 14, the court administrator is moving to a new job in Pierre, S.D. “It’s a great career opportunity for me,” he said. “Right now, I’m in charge of one county.” In his new role, Schmidt said, “I would have responsibility for 14 counties.” Schmidt is originally from South Dakota and has family living there.

Meanwhile, Sibley County Court Administrator Karen Messner will temporarily assume responsibility for running McLeod County, as the First Judicial District determines how to assign Schmidt’s successor.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)