By Rupert Howell
Long-time Justice Court Judge Wiilie “Bill” Joiner will not seek re-election in the August 4 primary election which may throw the Second Judicial District race wide open.

Joiner, a Democrat, said Monday that he is withdrawing his name from the primary election ballot and will not seek re-election to his ninth term in that position.

Joiner said after discussing the future with family, “I think it’s time to retire.”

Joiner will have over 40 years of service in government as he served as deputy sheriff for eight years under the late David M. Bryan.

“I’m just going out to Tocowa (where his home is located) and sit down,” he said noting that he will finish his current term that ends this year.

The Second Judicial District from which the position is elected includes most of the southern half of Panola County and, with the exception of two sections of land, is similar South Panola School District.

Joiner, a former printer who was employed at The Panolian and Batesville Printing Company prior to his government service, and his wife Linda plan to continue following their grandchildrens’ baseball games where they spend a lot of time each spring and summer.
Terry Smith last week qualified as a Democrat for that office according to deputies with the Panola County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Smith joins Jason Chrestman who has also qualified to run for the Justice Court position. Both Chrestman and Smith are investigators with the Panola County Sheriff’s Department and both have qualified to run in the August 4 Democratic primary.