McBee

McBee

PHILIPPI — A judge who has served Barbour County for more than two decades has announced her retirement.

Kathi S. McBee has been on the bench as a Barbour County magistrate for 21 years, having first been elected to the position on Jan. 1, 1997. She will retire from that role effective Oct. 31.

She was the first woman elected as a magistrate judge in Barbour County and has served longer than any other judge in that position.

Prior to being elected, McBee served six years as a magistrate assistant and one year as a law librarian for the West Virginia Supreme Court.

“Magistrate McBee has served with honor and distinction throughout her career,” Circuit Judge Alan D. Moats said. “She has worked tirelessly to remain current on the law to better serve the public. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Fairmont State College during her tenure as magistrate.

“She is highly respected throughout the state and has been an anchor of stability in the magistrate court system for over two decades,” Moats continued. “We owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for her devoted and unselfish service and I wish her happiness in her retirement.”

Moats added an administrative order was entered Monday appointing Howard Benjamin “Ben” Propst to replace McBee, effective Nov. 1.

Propst graduated from Philip Barbour High School in 1973 before receiving a bachelor of arts degree from Fairmont State College.

He has a history in law enforcement, both serving as a Philippi City Police officer and working in the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office.

In 1994, Propst served as Barbour County Circuit Clerk. He was involved with Boy Scouts of America for 20 years as its regional director.

Propst has been employed by the Barbour County Commission as county coordinator since 2015. He volunteers his time to many public projects and organizations, and remains active with Boy Scouts of America.

“Ben Propst has dedicated his life to public service in Barbour County and West Virginia. He has worked with thousands of youth in the Boy Scouts of America assisting them as they grow into adulthood and leadership positions,” Moats said. “He has been a valuable employee to the Barbour County Commission, serving in his position as county coordinator. He is highly respected, has a pleasant demeanor, and is intelligent, compassionate and hard-working. I am confident he will serve the public well in his new capacity as magistrate of Barbour County.”