Orange City, Iowa — An Orange City attorney has been named as a magistrate.
According to District 3 District Court Administrator Peggy Frericks, the Sioux County Magistrate Nominating Commission met on Thursday, February 10, 2022, to appoint one Magistrate to serve in Sioux County to finish the term of service that commenced on August 1, 2021, and will end on July 31, 2025. The commission appointed Kley De Jong of Orange City.
She says magistrates serve part-time and have jurisdiction over simple misdemeanors, including scheduled violations, county, and municipal infractions, and small claims cases. Magistrates have the authority to issue search warrants, conduct preliminary hearings, and hear certain involuntary hospitalization and juvenile matters. Magistrates may be assigned by the Chief Judge to work in counties within the District other than the county appointed.
According to Frericks, the appointment of a magistrate was necessary due to the resignation of former Sioux County Magistrate Dan Pluim.
