Byrd passes the gavel to Twede

Rumors of Judge Donald Cole Byrd's retirement are highly exaggerated.

Glenn County's longtime presiding judge is not leaving the bench, only stepping away from the administrative duties.

Peter Twede, who took over courthouse administration on Tuesday, is the new presiding judge.

The passing of the gavel, so to speak, is quite simple, explained Byrd, 62.

"The judges decide who the presiding judge will be," he said.

In fact, in courts with three or more judges, the selection of the presiding judge is usually by secret ballot.

In a court having two judges, the selection of the presiding judge requires only that both judges agree and that the presiding judge have at least four years of experience.

"Judge Twede now has four years," Byrd said.

Byrd said the change will allow Twede to gain administrative experience.

At the same time, it will free Byrd for his committee appointments.

Byrd serves on the Courthouse Naming Policy Subcommittee, Courthouse Cost Reduction Sub-Committee, Trial Court Facilities Working Group and Trial Court Facility Modification Working Group.

He as served as Glenn County Superior Court's presiding judge since 2005, and numerous other court committees throughout the years.

Byrd was appointed to the bench in 1998, and has been reelected since.

Prior to that, Bryd was in private practice in Willows.

He is a member of the Willows Kiwanis Club and served on the Willows Unified School District board.