Judge Dan Stidham to Retire After 25 Years on the Bench in 17th Judicial District

PARAGOULD, Ark. — Longtime State District Judge Dan Stidham has announced his retirement after 25 years of service to the 17th Judicial District, which includes Greene and Clay counties. His retirement will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Stidham said the decision follows “a great deal of thought and discussions with friends, colleagues and most importantly family.” He plans to formally submit retirement paperwork to the state in October and will send a letter to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders next week so the process of appointing a successor can begin.

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“I have enjoyed serving the citizens of Greene and Clay Counties for the past 25 years and cherish all the amazing relationships I have acquired along this journey in my life from all over the State of Arkansas and the World,” Stidham wrote in a public statement.

Following his retirement, Stidham said he will serve as general counsel for Stidham Financial Services, work on criminal justice reform, and spend more time with his grandchildren.

“I pledge my entire cooperation with [the governor’s] appointee to ensure a smooth transition,” he said. “I am truly blessed by the experience and trust that I am leaving behind a great legacy for building a better 17th Judicial District for the future.”