Ratton appointed to fill out term of judge who died

Rob Ratton of Newport has been appointed circuit judge of the Third Judicial District, Division 3, by Gov.Asa Hutchinson.

Ratton has served as chief deputy prosecuting attorney for the Third Judicial District since 2003, and recently filed for election to Division 1. He is unopposed on the ballot, and will be elected on March 3rd.

Ratton was appointed to serve the remainder of the term left vacant after the death of Judge Tom Garner in November.

“I ran for Third District circuit judge because I wanted to put my years of experience to work for the people of the Third Judicial District,” Ratton said. “It’s an honor to be appointed by Governor Hutchinson. I am eager to get to work, and I know I will make him and the people of northeast Arkansas proud.”

The district includes Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph and Sharp counties.

Ratton earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and his juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He began his legal career with the Newport law firm of Thaxton, Hout and Howard where he maintained a general practice of law, including criminal defense, business law, real estate law, estate planning and domestic relations.

In addition to serving as a prosecuting attorney, Ratton also served as Newport city attorney until his appointment.