Retired judges appointed to replace suspended Jefferson County probate judge

Two retired Jefferson County lawyers are returning to the bench to take over duties from newly suspended Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard.

Retired Probate Judge Sherri Coleman Friday and Circuit Judge Carole Smitherman were tapped by President Judge Elizabeth French to take over the office. Friday was appointed Special Probate Judge late Thursday, while Smitherman on Friday afternoon was appointed Special Probate Judge to serve as Chief Elections Official for the county.