SHELBY — Judge Amanda Ade-Harlow of rural Moweaqua has announced her intention to seek the position of Resident Circuit Judge of Shelby County, which is part of the Fourth Judicial Circuit consisting of Shelby, Christian, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Marion, Clinton, Clay, and Jasper counties.

Judge Amanda Ade-Harlow

The seat was declared vacant with the passing of the Honorable Allen F. Bennett. Judge Ade-Harlow was appointed an Associate Judge in December of 2016 after having been through a selection process with the Circuit Judges of the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

Bennett was elected to the bench in 2012. He died November 29 after becoming ill over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Judge Ade-Harlow previously held the position of Shelby County Public Defender, Assistant State’s Attorney in Shelby and Fayette counties, and worked in a private general practice in Taylorville where she handled family law, criminal defense, municipal law, personal injury, and medical malpractice.

The Illinois general primary will be held on March 20, 2018 followed by the general election on November 6, 2018.