SPRINGDALE — For the first time in 28 years, a new judge will hear cases in Springdale.
District Judge Stanley Ludwig, 64, announced his departure, effective Jan. 1, 2011, by sending a letter of resignation to Gov. Mike Beebe.
Ludwig was elected to oversee Springdale courts in December 1982. He gave few details about his decision to retire.
“It’s time,” Ludwig said. “That’s all I have to say.”
The governor will appoint Ludwig’s successor, according to Arkansas Code. The code states a vacancy in a district court judgeship shall be filled in the same manner as laid out in Amendment 29 of the Arkansas Constitution.
The amendment states the governor will have the power to fill the vacancy with an appointment. The new judge will serve until the office comes up for election in 2012. The appointee will not be eligible to run for the office in the next election, according to the amendment.
“Judge Ludwig has always listened to the facts and applied the law,” said Jeff Harper, Springdale city attorney. “He’s always taken the time to make the decision he felt was right.”
The Springdale district judge has jurisdiction over all of Springdale, including the section in Benton County, and in Washington County west of the city to the Benton County line, according to Arkansas State Code. The jurisdiction includes the cities of Johnson, Tontitown and Elm Springs.
Ludwig does not hear cases in those cities, but a new judge probably will, he said.
The district judge hears cases for misdemeanors and violations, including traffic tickets and city code. Felony cases go to circuit court, according to state law.
The district judge oversees misdemeanor arraignments. Search warrants and arrest warrants can be signed by a district judge. The district judge also handles civil and small claims cases up to $5,000.
The Springdale city budget for 2011 lists the district judge’s annual salary at $110,000.