Judgeship candidates announced in Clare, Isabella counties

A prosecutor and senior assistant prosecutor have thrown their hats into the ring for two judgeships in Clare and Isabella counties.

Clare County Prosecutor Michelle Ambrozaitis and Isabella County Senior Assistant Prosecutor J.E.B. Allen have announced their candidacy for 55th Circuit and 21st Circuit judge, respectively.

Michigan’s 55th judicial circuit consists of Clare and Gladwin counties; the 21st circuit is Isabella County.

Allen is running for the seat opening with Judge Mark Duthie’s upcoming retirement; Clare County Circuit Judge Roy G. Meink has not yet announced whether he is seeking re-election.

Two who are currently on the bench have filed with the state — Isabella County Probate Judge Stuart Black and Clare County Circuit Judge Tara Hovey, who is seeking her first full term after being appointed in 2022 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to fill the vacancy created by the death of former Clare County Chief Judge Thomas Evans.

Allen has been an assistant prosecutor in Isabella County for five years, handling various criminal cases focusing mainly on major crimes, including jury trials and appeals.

Born in Mt. Pleasant and raised on his family’s farm in Weidman, Allen also has experience working with families in civil cases including handling abuse and neglect cases as well as child support and paternity actions for the state of Michigan.

A lifelong resident of Isabella County, Allen attended Chippewa Hills School District, served in the United States Marine Corps and upon his return from five years on active duty, attended Central Michigan University and Western