Increase in cases leads to new judge

It could be viewed as a step in the right direction when it comes to the drug problem in Taylor County.

Earlier in the year, prosecutors said about 80 to 85 percent of their cases had a drug component. In fact there are so many cases, the county had to bring in a second judge.

Beginning in January, Shawn Nines will serve as a circuit judge for Taylor and Barbour counties. Before, it was just one judge for the two counties.

"This county is pretty worked," said Sheriff Terry Austin. "For the prosecutors and the judges, it was definitely a need that we had."

Prosecuting Attorney John Bord says now about 85 to 90 percent of their cases have some sort of meth component.

"It's pretty evident that we have the busiest circuit court in the state per capita right now," Bord said. "The abuse and neglect cases along with the felony cases we've had just swamped one judge."