Mancos resident and business owner Wendy Whicher was recently appointed as a county-court judge in Dolores County.

The announcement came from Gov. Bill Owens’ office on Thursday.

Whicher previously practiced family law in Wheat Ridge, Colo., and received the Colorado Women’s Bar Association’s Outstanding Volunteer award in 1996.

"Wendy’s expertise in family law matters will be a great asset to the county bench in Dolores (County)," Owens said. "She will serve the citizens of Colorado well in her new position."

Since graduating from Cornell University and receiving her juris doctorate from the University of Denver, Whicher has practiced law in Colorado for 30 years. In addition, Whicher serves as the vice president of the Four Corners Bar Association.

Whicher’s initial term of office will be for a provisional two years after which she must stand for retention in order to serve for an additional four years.