Monday night at the county commission meeting, Loudon County Mayor Doyle Arp informed the commissioners General Sessions Judge, William "Bill" Russell has submitted his notice informing the commission he plans to retire. 

Arp said Russell's retirement will be effective Aug. 31, 2010. The county commission voted to accept the judge's retirement. With the announcement the way is clear for other candidates to declare for the judge's position. 

Anyone elected would be finishing Russell's current term of office which is set to expired in 2014. Arp said Russell has served as judge for eleven years and five months.

The position will be on the May primary ballot.

To qualify as a general sessions judge, candidates must have a law degree, be at least 30 years of age and a resident of Loudon County. 

Anyone interested in seeking the judgeship must file their qualifying petitions by Feb. 18 at noon with the Loudon County Election Commission.