Contributed photo / 14th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge L. Craig Johnson will retire effective May 12 leaving his post on the bench open to six applicants who are seeking the job. A public hearing on the applicants is set for May 14 at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza in Manchester, Tenn.A circuit court vacancy in Tennessee's 14th Judicial District, which includes Coffee County, has drawn six applicants, according to the state's Administrative Office of the Courts.
The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Craig Johnson, effective May 12, state officials said in a news release.
Johnson announced his retirement in February after 24 years on the bench in Coffee County, according to a report in the Tullahoma News. Johnson told the newspaper he planned to open a law practice in Coffee County and spend more time with his family. Johnson also is retired from the Tennessee State Guard. Johnson spent 37 years in the military and retired in February as brigadier general of the state Military Department, a post in which he served four years, according to The Associated Press.
The six applicants for the post are Robert T. Carter, an attorney in Tullahoma; Manchester attorney Jason Huskey; Margaret C. Lamb Kilgore, an assistant district attorney in the 14th Judicial District; William Lockhart and Edward H. North, both attorneys in Manchester; and Felicia B. Walkup of McMinnville, an assistant district attorney in the 31st Judicial District, according to state documents.
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. CDT May 14 at the Meeting Hall of the Coffee County Administrative Plaza - C-CAP Building - at 1329 McArthur St. in Manchester, according to officials.
Interested individuals, including any members of the public, may attend the hearing. The meeting will also include a public hearing starting at 9 a.m. CDT, during which anyone may express their opinions on any of the applicants, according to officials.
All visitors who want to attend the hearing must check in with building security, provide a valid government-issued ID, mention that they are present to attend the "Trial Court Vacancy Commission Public Hearing" and follow all mandated COVID-19 protocols for admission to the building.
The commission is expected to vote immediately following the interviews and forward three names to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration, officials said.
- Compiled by Ben Benton