Circuit Court Referee

New Circuit Court Referee takes oath of office

Circuit Court Judge Charles Johnson (right) administered the oath of office Jan. 6 to attorney Scott Beatty, who is the new Circuit Court Referee.

Beatty replaces Referee Bruce Cranham, who retired at the end of December after 16 years of service.

The Circuit Court Referee rules on motions regarding such issues as parenting time, child support, custody and other related disputes. The Referee works closely with Friend of the Court staff during these hearings.

Beatty told Judge Johnson and Friend of the Court Maurine Watts, who was also present for the swearing-in ceremony, that he was looking forward to taking on the new position and is grateful to have the opportunity to serve.

Referee Cranham retires, Dec. 2010

Circuit Court Referee Bruce Cranham retired Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, after 16 years of service to the citizens of Emmet County.

Friend of the Court staff and a number of local attorneys surprised Cranham with a small party in the Board of Commissioners meeting room inside the county building downtown Petoskey. Friend of the Court Maurine Watts presented Cranham with a gift and plaque signed by the staff members, many of whom he has worked with during his tenure with the Circuit Court.

The Circuit Court Referee rules on motions regarding such issues as parenting time, child support, custody and other related disputes. The Referee works closely with Friend of the Court staff during these hearings.

Attorney Scott Beatty will be replacing Cranham as the Circuit Court Referee beginning Jan. 1, 2011.