UPDATE: For the first time in Rutherford and Cannon County history, a female has been chosen to be the Circuit Court Judge.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Bonita Jo Atwood to the 16th Judicial District Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Royce Taylor.

On Saturday, Judge Atwood told a gathering of friends and supporters...

Due to Atwood being appointed to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Taylor, she will remain judge until the upcoming election. On August 6th she will be the incumbent in the race to fill the seat, but will have to win the election to remain the 16th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge.

More on Atwood:

"Bonita Jo Atwood is an experienced litigator with the right temperament to serve on the bench," said Governor Lee. "I'm proud to nominate her for the Circuit Court and thank her for her willingness to serve the people of Tennessee."

Atwood has served as a managing partner at Atwood and Moore since 1995, representing more than 7,000 clients in a wide scope of civil litigation. She previously practiced law in the Law Offices of Henry, Kious & Hall. Atwood earned her J.D. from the Nashville School of Law and Bachelor of Science cum laude from Tennessee Tech University. She currently resides in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and is a charter member of the Middle Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women.

The 16th Judicial District covers Rutherford and Cannon counties.