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Two Russellville Attorneys Declare Candidacy for Circuit Judgeship

Joe Ross, Joe Hendricks Facebook

A race is shaping up in Logan and Todd counties to succeed long-time Circuit Judge Tyler Gill.  A private attorney and local prosecutor have announced plans to compete in a special election this fall.

Logan County Attorney Joe Ross is running in the non-partisan election.  In a statement to WKU Public Radio, Ross pledged to be a just and fair judge, and cognizant of the toll that addiction has taken on communities.

I recognize as Circuit Judge, I must work with community partners to find services for those before the Court to obtain treatment for their addiction, family counseling, mental health therapy, or the tools to find employment so that they can support their children and families," stated Ross. "Sometimes, however, punishment and deterrence must be a focus. Cases involving victims of child abuse, sexual assault and violence as well as cases of drug trafficking and manufacturing will be dealt with fairly but firmly."

Ross was elected county attorney in 2010.  He formerly served as staff attorney for Judge Gill and as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Logan County. 

Also vying for the circuit judgeship is Joe Hendricks, Jr. who has a general law practice in Russellville.  He began his legal career in Georgia as a prosecutor.  He now handles cases involving estate planning, civil litigation, family law, and criminal defense. 

“As someone who was born and raised to seven generations of farmers in Logan County and paid his way through school raising tobacco and cattle,  I want to ensure that we have a Circuit Court that is efficient, fair, and accessible to the people of Logan and Todd Counties and that upholds our values,” Hendricks said in a statement.

The winner of the November 5 special election will complete the remainder of Judge Gill’s term which expires in 2022 .  Gill is retiring on July 31 after 26 years on the bench.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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