HOPKINS NAMED BOLLINGER PROSECUTOR

MARBLE HILL -- At midnight, Bill Hopkins' 20-year career as Bollinger County associate circuit judge will end.

But thanks to Gov. Mel Carnahan, he will begin a new career today as county prosecuting attorney.

"I'm relieved that it is over," said Hopkins, who was advised of his appointment Friday morning in a phone call from Carnahan.

The paperwork was processed in time for Hopkins to take the oath with other Bollinger County officeholders Friday afternoon.

The governor, in a statement, said he was pleased to appoint Hopkins.

"His experience as a judge and attorney in private practice makes him a great choice for the job of prosecuting attorney," Carnahan said.

In picking Hopkins to fill the vacancy, Carnahan ignored a recommendation from the county's Democratic Central Committee last month that nominated Cape Girardeau attorney Scott Reynolds for the position.

On Thursday, Hopkins and Reynolds were interviewed by Joe Bednar, the governor's legal counsel.

"I am very disappointed," Reynolds said. "I was looking forward to doing the job and I think I had the qualifications and legal record to be an effective prosecutor."

Reynolds, 32, congratulated Hopkins and wished him luck.

The prosecuting attorney's office was to become vacant Jan. 1 after no one filed for the job. Paul Hahn, who served two, four-year terms, didn't seek re-election. He will practice with the Lichtenegger law firm in Jackson.

Hopkins, 48, lost his re-election bid for judge to Republican Scott Thomsen by 84 votes.

Soon after the election, Hopkins appeared before the central committee seeking nomination to be prosecutor.

But the committee chose Reynolds.

Hopkins, then, sent letters and petitions to Carnahan, urging his appointment.

The governor's office made no mention of why Hopkins was chosen over Reynolds.

Hopkins said Hahn has promised to help him with the transition and that he would have no trouble working with Thomsen.

Hopkins, a lifelong resident of Bollinger County, doesn't anticipate problems handling his new duties.

"I was a conservative law and order judge, and I think the prosecutor's job is a real natural for me," he said.

As associate circuit judge, Hopkins was paid about $70,000 a year. As prosecutor, his annual salary will be slightly more than $25,000 a year. However, Hopkins will be able to maintain a private civil law practice in addition to his duties as prosecutor.

For the time being, Hopkins will work out of a second-floor office in the courthouse.