Peggy D. Richardson, the new Third District Circuit Judge for the 26th Judicial Circuit, was sworn in Friday, Nov. 18, by Circuit Judge Kenneth Michael Hayden.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Moniteau County Courtroom at the beginning of the Friday Circuit Court session. Many court house personnel, law enforcement officers and other friends and colleagues were present for the ceremony.
Judge Hayden spoke about the long-standing need for a third circuit judge for the 26th District and how the background and experience of Judge Richardson fit the position. He said they had been in private practice at the same time, and were sometimes on opposing sides of court cases, when Richardson was assistant prosecuting attorney for Morgan County.
"I'm just a country girl privileged to be born in this great nation," Richardson said, following being sworn in. She went on to say how proud she was to be able to serve in this office.
The announcement of her appointment to the 26th Judicial Circuit bench was made Nov. 9 by Gov. Jay Nixon. The new position of a third judge to cover Moniteau, Camden, Laclede, Miller and Morgan counties was created by Senate Bill 578, which took effect on Aug. 28. The appointment is for a four year term, with an election for a regular circuit judge six-year term in 2020.
Nixon can be expected to appoint someone to fill the associate judge position soon. Richardson's term would have ended in 2018, as she was not planning to run in 2018 for a sixth term.