One of two circuit judges serving Texas and three other counties in the 25th Judicial Circuit is retiring Dec. 31.
Presiding Judge Gregory Warren has served as an elected judge in the judicial circuit for 20 years. He has served as Pulaski County associate circuit judge, administrative family court judge and most recently in the dual roles of Division 2 circuit judge and presiding circuit judge of the circuit.
The judges of the circuit elected Division 1 Circuit Judge William E. Hickle as the new presiding judge beginning Jan. 1 for a two-year term.
“I would like to thank Judge Warren for his many years of excellent service, and we wish him well in his retirement,” Hickle said. “Judge Warren earned a reputation for providing fair and impartial justice, and he regularly did so with patience and kindness. I appreciate his leadership and example.”
Missouri is divided into 45 judicial circuits. The 25th Circuit consists of Phelps, Pulaski, Texas and Maries counties. The circuit is served by two circuit judges –– Hickle and Warren –– and six associate circuit judges: Ronald White, Ken Clayton, Colin Long, Ronda Cortesini, Douglas Gaston and Kerry Rowden.
On Jan. 1, 2015, Mark Calvert succeeds Judge Clayton as Phelps County associate judge, Michael Headrick succeeds Judge Cortesini as Pulaski County associate judge, and John Beger succeeds Judge Warren as Division 2 circuit judge.
The presiding judge of the judicial circuit serves as administrative head of the circuit, having the responsibility of assisting in the personnel, financial and case-management duties of the circuit, and seeing that the business of the courts is conducted efficiently and effectively.