CALHOUN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The former deputy chief has now been sworn in to lead the Calhoun County Clerk’s Office after a being chosen from a diverse field of candidates.
On Monday, February 10th Homer-native Kimberly Hinkley was selected by four Calhoun County Circuit Court Judges to be the county’s next clerk, and took the oath of office the following day.
The 51-year-old Hinkley worked previously as chief deputy clerk, and was one of six candidates who applied to fill the remainder of outgoing clerk Anne Norlander’s term until 2021.
Norland has served in that role for 31 years before announcing she would be retiring on December 31st, 2019.
The new clerk was appointed to the position after a series of interviews between the circuit judge appointment board and the rest of the candidates. Those included Friend of the Court Jeff Albaugh, former Battle Creek City Commissioner Andrew Helmboldt, Bishop Tino Smith, Deputy County Clerk for Elections Teri Loew, and Anita Glynn.
Her husband is Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department Detective Sgt. Steve Hinkley, who is a candidate to become the next sheriff as current head Matt Saxton prepares to leave office on April 16th to lead the Michigan Sheriff’s Association.
Under current law sheriff vacancies are selected by the county’s probate judge, prosecutor, and clerk. Hinkley is saying that she plans to recuse herself from the selection process and will appoint a deputy clerk to take her place.
Hinkley has announced that she is seeking election to the position later this year, with her current appointment term ending December 31st, 2020.
