Dear Editor:

One of the most important positions in our state judicial system is that of family court judge. Family court judges hear hundreds of cases every year that have a direct impact on the lives of those litigants who appear before them. Family court judges deal with cases involving divorce, separation, child custody, child support, child abuse and neglect. These judges also hear criminal cases involving juveniles.

Wesley L. Brown has served the citizens of Cherokee County and the State of South Carolina as family court judge since 1998. Judge Brown has served with dedication and honor. As a member of the Cherokee County Bar, I am proud to have appeared in his courtroom. Judge Brown is retiring from the family court bench today. We all owe Judge Brown our thanks and admiration for his service. Thank you Judge Brown, you will be missed.

Tomorrow marks a new beginning. Usha Bridges will be sworn in as our new family court judge. She brings to the bench an abundance of knowledge and expertise in the area of family law. The citizens of Cherokee County and the State of South Carolina are fortunate to have a new family court judge of Judge Bridges’ caliber. I know she will serve with the same honor and distinction as her predecessor. I look forward to appearing in Judge Bridges’ courtroom in the days to come.

With best regards, I am,

Sincerely, William G. Rhoden

Gaffney, S.C.