Steven Howell J.D. ’77 will retire as a judge at the end of February 2011, after more than 24 years on the bench. Howell told the Mercury-Register he really enjoys his job, but heart surgery about a year ago prompted him to reflect on his future.

Howell was first appointed to the South Butte County Municipal Court in September 1987 and the Superior Court in May 1996, according to a court press release.

He was re-elected without challenge five times, most recently in 2011. Howell is believed to be the second-longest serving judge in the county. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as presiding judge for 14 years. Howell concluded his latest term last year.