Circuit Court Judge files for re-election

Chief Regional Circuit Court Judge Rene’ Williams has filed for re-election as Circuit Judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit comprised of Crittenden, Union and Webster Counties. Judicial races are non partisan positions that will appear on the November 2014 General Election ballot unless there are three or more candidates vying for the position. Circuit Court is one of “general jurisdiction” hearing felony criminal cases and civil controversies involving $5,000.00 or more.  

          Judge Williams was elected as District Judge in 1989. She continued to serve as District Judge until November 2004, when she was appointed by the Governor to fill the unexpired term of Judge Tommy C. Chandler who retired in August 2004. In January 2005 she attended federal training and began the 5th Judicial Circuit Drug Court Program for the Circuit. She was elected to a new term of Circuit Judge in 2006. Judge Williams was appointed by Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Joseph Lambert to serve as Chief Regional District Judge from January 2003 until her appointment as Circuit Judge. Chief Lambert then appointed her as Chief Regional Circuit Judge in 2007, and Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John C. Minton has re-appointed her to serve in that position for three additional terms. 

     Judge Williams is a native of Webster County and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Murray State University and a law degree from the University of Louisville. Judge Williams is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and the Circuit Judge’s Association. She also serves as the secretary / treasurer of the Webster County Bar Association. She has served on a statewide Domestic Violence Task Force and was a member of the Judicial Advisory Committee to the Governor’s Office of Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence Services. She currently serves on the KBA legislative team for the 1st Supreme Court District. Judge Williams is a member of the Webster County ASAP Board and Health Coalition. She has served as a Director for the Webster County Junior Miss Program and as Legal Advisor for the Webster County High School Mock Trial Team. She is a member of the Dixon General Baptist Church. Judge Williams resides in Dixon with her husband, Brent Green. They are parents of two daughters, Ellie Stewart and husband Brent, and Natalie Green