John Wells

Judge Wells took office on February 9, 2021. He is the sole common pleas judge in Morgan County and presides over all four divisions of the Court. The Judge started practicing law in McConnelsville with his mentor Robert J. Christie in 1994 and maintained a private law office in Morgan County until taking the bench in February 2021.

The Judge is an alumnus of The Ohio State University earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctorate. He achieved a Certificate in Practical Ministry from the Lancaster School of Ministry in 2019 under the tutelage of Pastor Ron Grubb.

Judge Wells was the elected Mayor of McConnelsville for 8 years. During his time as mayor significant improvements were made to the water and sewer systems. He also conceived, designed and spearheaded the construction of the Kiwanis-Jaycee Community Park located in Malta.

From 2000 to 2020 he owned the Chatterbox Tavern with his friend Steve Roberts.

Over the years the Judge has served the community in many capacities including President of the Chamber of Commerce, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Solicitor of Chesterhill, Malta, McConnelsville and Stockport villages, coach of the JR High soccer team, trustee of Malta Methodist Church, director and attorney for the Community Improvement Corporation and as founding director of the Morgan Community Fund within the Foundation of Appalachian Ohio.