Etowah County Judge Announces Retirement

Etowah County District Court Judge William D. Russell Jr. announced Wednesday that he plans to retire at the end of the year.

Russell serves as district and juvenile judge in Etowah County, Place No. 1. He was appointed to the bench in October 1993 and elected to his first six-year term in 1994.

Since then, Russell has run unopposed in three elections, in 2000, 2006 and 2012.

According to a letter from Russell's office, his primary reason for retiring is to spend more time with his grandsons.

Russell and Etowah County District Attorney Jimmie Harp were instrumental in establishing and operating a drug court for the treatment and rehabilitation of first-time drug offenders.

In addition to his judicial duties, Russell serves on the Children's Policy Council of Etowah County and on the Coosa Valley Youth Services Board of Directors.

He will retire leaving four years in his unexpired term. The governor will appoint someone to fill the unexpired term.