List of Candidates Vying to be the Next Rutherford County Circuit Judge has been Narrowed Down to Five

Aug 08, 2023 at 10:41 pm by WGNS News

Judge J. Mark Rogers

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN – Early last month, WGNS reported news about the Honorable J. Mark Rogers, who announced his retirement after serving nearly 20-years as a judge in Rutherford County. Now, the Trial Court Vacancy Commission is considering five applicants to fill the soon-to-be vacant seat in the 16th Judicial District, which includes Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

On August 30,, the Commission will meet in Murfreesboro to select nominees for circuit court judge. Those nominees will be narrowed down to three.

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The candidates who are vying to be to be the next Circuit Court Judge in Rutherford County Because Judge Rogers has 7-years left in his term, the new judge appointed to fill his position when he retires on September 1, 2023, will hold the seat for 7-years, before having to run for re-election.  

The five applicants are:

  1. Terry A. Fann
  2. Stephen E. Grauberger
  3. Derek R. Howard
  4. Michelle Howser
  5. Micheal A. Jones

Because Judge Rogers has 7-years left in his term, the new judge appointed to fill his position upon his retirement on September 1, 2023, will hold the seat for 7-years before having to run for re-election.  

A public hearing is scheduled for August 30, 2023 at 9 AM. That hearing will be in the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse. The hearing will be in the county commission chambers of the courthouse (South Public Square, Murfreesboro at 9 a.m. CDT.).

Any member of the public may attend the public hearing and can express, orally or in writing, objections concerning applicant(s) for the judicial vacancy. If you require accommodation and/or have special needs because of a qualified disability, or have questions about the Commission, you are asked to contact John Jefferson at the Administrative Office of the Courts. His email address is John.Jefferson@tncourts.gov. You can also call him at 615-741-2687.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is expected to vote immediately following the interviews and forward three names to Governor Bill Lee for his consideration. Ultimately, the Governor will have the deciding vote on the appointment of the next 16th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge.

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