Stearns appointed as new circuit judge

Brewton attorney and assistant District Attorney Todd Stearns took the oath of office July 31 and officially became Circuit Judge Todd Stearns on Aug. 1 after Gov. Kay Ivey appointed him to fill the unexpired term of retiring Circuit Judge Dave Jordan, who stepped down on July 31.

Stearns, 55, will fill Jordan's unexpired term on the bench. The circuit judge position will be on the 2022 ballot and Stearns said he will seek a full six-year term on the Republican ticket at that time.

"It's an honor to serve the people of Escambia County," Stearns said. "This is something I've wanted to do for...