Future magistrate honored

Anna Eckhart, a deputy prosecutor with the city of Coeur d'Alene, was honored this week for dedicating nine years to the county's Mental Health Court. Eckhart's recent appointment to serve as a magistrate judge will require her to step down from the volunteer position.

"Anna's commitment to the program, and her professionalism, has been just amazing," said Mental Health Court Judge John Mitchell. "I know she will make an absolutely fabulous judge."

Eckhart, who has worked for the city's legal division for 11 years, will start her position as a magistrate on Sept. 1. She said the experience of Mental Health Court opened her eyes as a prosecutor.

"Getting to know about mental illness was a learning experience that made me a better prosecutor," she said.

Eckhart replaces Magistrate Penny Friedlander, who is retiring.