Does the return have to be signed by the judge that issued it or can it be signed by another judge? Could it be signed by the officer in front of a notary?

The officer signs the return and it, along with the warrant and affidavit, is returned to the judge that issued the warrant. The return does not have to be sworn to by the officer. The judge does not sign the return

I suggest getting the court clerk to make you a certified copy of the "whole package" (affidavit, warrant, return) when you return it to the judge. Keep it in your file. That way, should the original get misplaced by the clerk, you have a certified copy for any court hearings.