JACKSON PROFILE: MICHELLE DRURY SPOOLER ASSISTANT MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE

Q: When did you become the assistant municipal court judge?

A: I got the call on Friday, March l6, and was appointed to the position on Monday, March 19. I have not yet been officially sworn in.

Q: What does an assistant municipal court judge do?

A: I fill in for the municipal court judge when he or she is unavailable or there is a conflict of interest for whatever reason.

Q: What kind of cases will you handle?

A: Any ruling that might come up within the city of Jackson, with the exception of criminal cases. This includes traffic violations, code ordinances and nuisance problems.

Q: Tell us a little about how you got here.

A: I was raised in Kelso, Mo., and moved to Cape Girardeau at 15. I graduated from Notre Dame in 1985 and continued my education at St. Louis University where I spent seven years, ultimately graduating from law school there. I worked at a St. Louis law firm doing estate planning and mediation. In 1993, I moved to Springfield, Mo., to become involved in the family business, Drury Properties. I then worked in human resources for the Drury Properties for three years and moved to Jackson in 1997.

Q: Do you still reside in Jackson although you work in Cape Girardeau?

A: YES!

Q: Are you married?

A: Yes, to Ken Spooler of Ken Spooler Excavating.

Q: How old are you?

A: 34.

Q: Do you and your husband have any children of your own?

A: Yes, we have a daughter, Elizabeth Spooler, who just turned 2 yesterday.