Augusta County Clerk’s office appoints local women as deputy clerks

Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court R. Steven Landes announced today that Kelsey M. Crews, Debra K. Hostetter and Whitney M. Rhodes, were appointed Deputy Clerks with the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

“We are proud to have Kelsey, Debbie and Whitney officially join our team in their new roles with the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office,” Landes said. “Our staff looks forward to working with each of them as we all continue to serve the citizens of Augusta County.”

Crews became a Deputy Clerk working with Land Record Division in June. She received an associate’s degree from Blue Ridge Community College in 2019, and a bachelor’s of Media Arts and Design from JMU in 2021. Crews was most recently self-employed with her business, KMC Photo & Film. She lives in Staunton with her husband, Chandler.

Hostetter became a Deputy Clerk in the Civil Division in May. She graduated from Dunbar High School in 1981, and completed college Management and Accounting courses at Northwest University and Beckley Community College. Hostetter was most recently an Administrative Assistant at Augusta Health, and Director of Retail Operations for ValleyStar Credit Union. She lives in Crimora with her husband, John.

Rhodes began working as Deputy Clerk – Historic Records Archivist in July, and most recently served part-time as Historic Records Clerk in the Clerk’s Office since January of 2022. Rhodes earned a bachelor’s in History from JMU in 2015. She also received a Paralegal Certification from JMU in 2016. Before becoming Historic Records Clerk, Rhodes was a teller with Bank of America. She lives in Fishersville with her son, Noah.

The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is in downtown Staunton at the Augusta County Courthouse. The Clerk serves as the recorder of deeds and probate judge, issues marriage licenses and is the official court administrator for all civil and criminal cases. The Clerk creates and maintains all court files and records, prepares court orders and jury lists, contacts jurors and issues summons and court processes.