Ben Bowden will be sworn in as circuit judge of the Alabama 22nd Judicial Circuit, Place 2, at 11 a.m. on Thurs., March 17, in the main courtroom of the Covington County Courthouse.

Gov. Robert Bentley last week appointed Bowden to fill the unexpired term of Judge Ashley McKathan, who is retiring this week. Bowden was elected to a full term, which begins in January, in the March Republican primary. He has no Democratic opposition.

A reception will follow in the law library.