The St. Ignatius Town Council elected its new town judge, Leslie Martin, at its latest meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3.  

Martin moved to Mission in 2012 and started in the legal profession in 2013 at Lake County Justice Court as a court clerk. She’s also served as a paralegal for many years and has worked on criminal defense and prosecution.  

The council received six letters of intent and interviewed the candidates collectively during the meeting. After a series of questions and introductions, there were motions for Haley Jensen, who started her career at the justice court, and for Martin.  

Councilwoman Ricky Merchant seconded the motion for Martin, but there was no second for Jensen. Ultimately, councilwoman Janis Heffern and councilman Chris Heffern voted against the motion for Martin, while councilman Steve McCollum and councilwoman Ricky Merchant voted for her. Mayor Daren Incashola broke the tie to elect Martin.  

The new judge was sworn in during the meeting by her predecessor Mary Leishman, who resigned from the position last month.  

Resurrecting town/county planning board 

The Lake County Planning Department contacted the town to ask whether it would be interested in reestablishing the county/town planning board. Incashola said this board was in place many years ago.  

This board would be composed of Mission citizens, and he noted it would benefit them to be aware of developments on the outskirts of town. The council expressed interest, and Incashola said he will schedule a meeting with the county to establish the board.  

Incashola also announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached out about the town’s $4.6 million community grant. Incashola said he believes the EPA will manage grant distribution.  

    St. Ignatius Town Council newly elected Town Judge, Leslie Martin, was sworn in by the previous Town Judge, Mary Leishman, during the council meeting on Feb. 3. (Emily Messer/Leader)