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Hendrix makes history as first female city judge
Gayla Hendrix
Attorney Gayla Hendrix is sworn into office by retiring Judge Hilton Conger. Hendrix brought her grandmother’s bible to use for this historical occasion.
Hilton Conger
Smithville Mayor Josh Miller presented retiring Judge Hilton Conger with a plaque in honor of his many years of service to Smithville.

Hendrix makes history as first female city judge

By angie meadows

Local attorney Gayla Hendrix made history Friday evening after being appointed the first female municipal judge by the Smithville Aldermen. She will be succeeding retiring Judge Hilton Conger.

The appointment came during a meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen Friday evening at city hall. Aldermen Danny Washer, Jessica Higgins, and Shawn Jacobs voted in favor of Hendrix. Alderman Brandon Cox voted no. Alderman Jacobs could not attend but participated in the meeting via conference call.

Hendrix, an Aldermen herself at the time, had to abstain from voting on her own appointment. At the end of the meeting, Hendrix announced her resignation as Alderman. The only other candidate for the city judge position was local attorney Mingy Bryant-Ball. Both Hendrix and Ball had submitted resumes expressing an interest in the judgeship.