Eight to interview for area JOP seat

The list of hopefuls for the justice of the peace seat being left vacant by the retirement of Robey Willis this week has been narrowed down to eight.

On Saturday the following people will appear before the selection committee made up of Judge Todd Russell, Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. John Milby, Vice President of Development and External Affairs at Western Nevada College Helaine Jesse, Carson City attorney Darcy Houghton and Carson Coffee owner Curt Spradley:

• Thomas R. Armstrong, defense attorney Law Offices of Thomas R. Armstrong, Ltd.

• Melanie Bruketta, human resources director Carson City Human Resources.

• Marcie Flygare, deputy public defender for Nevada State Public Defender's Office.

• Gerald J. Gardner, assistant district attorney for Carson City District Attorney's Office.

• Cheryl A. Lau, vice president and general counsel for Transportation Inc.

• Maria E. Pence, deputy public defender for Nevada State Public Defender's Office.

• Mitchell R. Pier, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Division of Investigations.

• Laurie Trotter, deputy district attorney with Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

The following people did not make it to the interview process;

• Jarrod P. Adams, deputy with the Carson City Sheriff's Office.

• Laura Grant, former Storey County District Attorney.

• Dennis J. Justin, manager of Annie's Bail Bonds in Carson City.

• Julie S. Maxwell, VistaCare Hospice.

• Michele L. Shirk, Gno-mon Inc. & MJ's Cleaning Co.

On Saturday, the selection committee will then narrow down the list to three who will go before the board of supervisors on March 17 or April 7. A decision will be made then and the selection of the new justice of the peace will take place.

Willis will serve his last day on Thursday.

In the interim, pro tempore judges will hear justice court cases.