Some sense of normalcy is coming back to the Tallapoosa Circuit Superior Court in Polk and Haralson Counties coming up later this week, as the newly-elected judge for the bench will be taking over earlier than anticipated.

Andrew Roper, who has been serving as Municipal Court Judge for Rockmart and Cedartown, and serving as a County Magistrate Judge as well, is donning new robes come Thursday as his appointment by Governor Brian Kemp is coming before 2022 closes out.

The soon-to-be Superior Court Judge Roper will be sworn in by Governor Brian Kemp on Thursday afternoon in a ceremony in Atlanta, getting to start his time on the bench months ahead of when he was elected to do so by voters in the Tallapoosa Circuit.

Roper said he was excited to get an early start in the job.

“I’m thrilled and humbled to be able to get a jump on the hard work ahead in the circuit as we move forward, and I thank Gov. Kemp for the opportunity to be sworn in early and begin serving the people of Polk and Haralson County, who deserve to have a full slate of judges working on their behalf to protect our communities,” he said.

Roper will have offices to setup in both the Polk and Haralson County courthouses in the coming days before he can get fully to work.

The chance comes after Former Judge Meng Lim resigned from his seat back at the beginning of July, allowing for Roper to begin the term early if Gov. Kemp decided to appoint him to the seat prior to his January 1, 2023 start date.

The Tallapoosa Circuit was for the past month down to Chief Judge Mark Murphy and senior judges acting to fill in court dates for the time being.

Roper, elected in the May primary to take over the seat, confirmed the news at the Cedartown City Commission regular meeting tonight, August 8.

The City Commission offered their congratulations for the news that he is taking over the seat early.

Judge Murphy confirmed the news this evening as well, noting that Judge Roper will be taking the oath of office in a session with Gov. Kemp Thursday before 3 p.m.

City Commissioners voted to approve Judge Roper’s replacement for the Cedartown Municipal Court. Additional coverage will be coming on that decision, which saw local attorney Ben Burch appointed to oversee the court with Roper’s departure.

Check back for more coverage following the Thursday ceremony.