By Sarah Richardson
At a swearing-in ceremony held on Tuesday, Apr. 29 at the Greenbrier County Courthouse, the newest Greenbrier County Magistrate took her oath of office. Shana Hamrick, in front of a group of family, friends, and coworkers, took the oath administered by Greenbrier County Chief Circuit Court Judge Robert Richardson after he appointed her to fill Magistrate Tim Stover’s seat until the next election, which will be held in 2026.
“Magistrate Hamrick brings the experience and common sense needed for this position, and she will provide valuable continuity within the magistrate court following Magistrate Stover’s retirement,” said Judge Richardson.
Stover had served as the Lewisburg Police Chief for nearly 29 years prior to becoming elected Magistrate Judge in 2020, and announced his retirement plans earlier in the year.
Hamrick began her career with the Magistrate Court as a Court Security Officer in 2009, and in 2016 transferred into a Magistrate Assistant. In her nine years as a Magistrate Assistant, she was an assistant to Magistrates Doug Beard, Martha Fleshman, and Tim Stover; all while taking courses and furthering her education in preparation of hopefully being able to serve as a magistrate in the future.
“Working as a Magistrate Assistant really gave me the opportunity to delve into the system and how it works, and what exactly the Magistrate Judges do. I really had daily, in-depth immersement in the process.”
As for her new role, “I am so excited, yet nervous. It’s taking on a new role with a lot of responsibility. It’s a new challenge. I’m very excited to serve the people of Greenbrier County, and I will do my very best.”
