Holmes County Will Hold Public Jury Draw For 2026 Court Terms

Holmes County will conduct a public drawing of jurors on December 5, 2025 at 9 00 AM in Suite 307 of the Holmes County Court House in Millersburg, officials announced in a notice published November 8 in the Holmes County Bargain Hunter. The drawing will select grand and petit jurors for the Court of Common Pleas first term of 2026 covering the General Probate and Juvenile Divisions, and will also draw petit jurors for the Municipal Court first term of 2026. The Commissioners of Jurors listed for the drawing are Tara Gerber and Sheri Smith.

The public nature of the drawing is intended to ensure transparency in how jurors are selected and to allow community members to observe the process. Grand jurors perform a distinct role from petit jurors. Grand jurors review evidence to determine whether criminal charges should proceed, while petit jurors serve on trial panels deciding guilt or liability in individual cases. Municipal Court petit jurors will handle lower level criminal and civil matters within the municipal system.

For residents, the drawing signals a likely pool of summoned jurors early in 2026. Those later notified should understand their summons as part of statutorily required civic duties that sustain local courts. Juror service affects not only those called but also broader court operations. Having an adequate and representative jury pool is essential to timely case processing across divisions, including the General Probate and Juvenile dockets where scheduling can affect guardianship proceedings, probate matters, and cases involving minors.

Local government officials and court administrators use public drawings as one tool to bolster confidence in the selection system. In small counties like Holmes County, turnout and participation rates can influence how representative juries are of the community. Ensuring lists are current and that a wide cross section of residents serve remains a continuing procedural priority for courts seeking fair and efficient adjudication.

Residents with questions about juror qualification, or those who believe they may have scheduling conflicts, should consult the court for guidance on deferment or exemption procedures. The announced drawing is a routine but consequential step in assembling the panels that will resolve criminal and civil matters for the county in the coming term. The December 5 event will set the roster from which juror summonses for the first term of 2026 will be issued.