A new Clerk of Courts has been selected to fill the position left empty in Muskingum County following the death of longtime clerk Todd Bickle in late January.

Appointed by members of the Muskingum County Republican Central Committee, Wendy Sowers took her oath of office Thursday morning at the Muskingum County Courthouse.

Sowers previously held the position of office manager at the Muskingum County title office.

According to Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Fleegle, Sowers will replace Bickle’s name on the ballot next election.

“We are confident that she’s going to do a good job,” said Fleegle. “She’s done a great job over at the title office which is one-third of the responsibility of the clerk. She comes with her feet on the ground and knowing the territory.”