Gothard Will Serve As Cookeville City Judge

Cookeville City Council appointed of Special Judge Joy Buck Gothard to serve as Cookeville City Judge Thursday night.

Gothard will finish out the term of David Ledbetter. He announced his retirement earlier this week. The Council officially accepted the resignation Thursday.

“David Ledbetter’s been my mentor in a lot of ways,” Gothard said. “We’ve had 18 years of a great law practice together. I don’t think I’ll serve as long as he has. When I’m 100, which will happen in less than 42 years, I’ll probably go to the house. I will do my best to try to keep things in the road and try to make you proud.”

Gothard will serve through July 1, 2023.

Dana Looper was appointed as Special Judge to serve in Gothard’s absence.